Halifax council to ask province for help on loud muffler problem

There appears to be mounting frustration in the Halifax council chambers over the need to ask the provincial government for its blessing. 

The problem of noisy mufflers on city streets brought before council on Tuesday, as councillors discussed the frequent complaints they receive from constituents about vehicle noise. 

But frustrations became evident when staff informed council that the provincial motor vehicle act doesn't allow municipalitys to pass laws on vehicles. 

“So once again we have to go with cap in hand to the province and ask mommy and daddy to make our lives better,” lamented Coun. Lisa Blackburn. “Okay, thank you.”

Council ultimately voted to have Mayor Mike Savage send off a letter to the Nova Scotia government on the issue, something Coun. Tim Outhit also took issue with. 

“I am very concerned,” said Outhit. “We can write the letter to the province, the mayor's getting very good at doing those. It may or may not have any impact, and if it does it may be two years.”

Although council's hands are tied for now on the issue, residents are still encouraged to send in complaints – making sure they gather the vehicles information when doing so.