HALIFAX -- A letter of permission is required for "slow moving" vehicles to cross the MacKay Bridge between 6:00 am and 7:00 pm.

To decrease congestion during peak times, the Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB) says owners of cranes, backhoes, graders, or any tractor that HHB believes "may impede the normal flow of traffic" must obtain a letter.

Only vehicles that can maintain a minimum speed of 20 km/h will be considered. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will only be approved for emergency or extenuating circumstances.

The operator must have the letter in the vehicle at the time of the bridge crossing. Vehicles crossing without permission are subject to a fine of $279.50 for the first offence.

Requests should be submitted to: John Birchall, Operations Manager; 125 Wyse Road; P.O Box 40 Dartmouth, NS; B2Y 3Y3; jbirchall@hdbc.ns.ca.