Moose Class Action Member Calls for Debate Based on Facts

Moose class action member Lucy Stoyles sent me a copy of her response to a recent opinion piece in The Telegram.  It deserves a wide reading:

An item in the March 10 edition of this paper "Control speeds to reduce moose accidents", criticized moose fencing as too costly and impractical, and recommended a reduction in highway speed limits as the solution to the moose vehicle collision (MVC) problem.  Credit was also given to the government for clearing roadside brush as a means of promoting safety.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but no one is entitled to their own version of the facts.  The facts about current scientific knowledge of how to prevent MVCs may be found in the affidavit of Dr. Clevenger filed in the moose class action against the government.  This affidavit is available for all to read at http://www.chescrosbie.com/library/moose-class-action/.

The scientific consensus does not support brush clearing, fearing that new growth will draw moose out to the roadside.

No one is asking for an expenditure on fencing which will "add significantly to our public per capita debt".  MVCs already cost us $20 million per year.  There is nothing unique about Newfoundland compared to places all over North America where moose fencing has been used with great success, and the decision about whether and where to place fencing can and should be made in accordance with cost-benefit analysis, as explained by Dr. Clevenger.

Reducing speed limits would reduce damage in MVCs, but enforcement of highway speeds far below 90 km/h would be required to avoid serious and fatal injuries - an impractical solution in modern society.

We are all affected in one degree or another by the problem of moose on the highway.  I urge anyone who wants to express an opinion on this issue, to read Dr. Clevenger's affidavit, and weigh into the public debate with an understanding of the facts.

Lucy Stoyles

(Lucy is a Mount Pearl City Councillor whose daughter was severely injured in a MVC last year.)