More Police are needed on the Island's roads after eight road deaths in two months, according to the Minister of Home Affairs and Housing Senator David Burch.

The Senator was speaking at the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce's Annual General Meeting on Thursday at the Hamilton Fairmont Princess. Following his speech and during a question and answer period, Sen. Burch was asked by BCC vice-president Diane Gordon what could be done about the road deaths.

He replied that the public did not see enough Police on the roads and therefore were giving themselves licence to drive as they like. "We do not see enough Police on the roads," he said, "That's the bottom line. We have been having these ongoing discussions with Police.

"Saying that what we need is Police not just behind the desk, but also out on the street and making sure they are stationed on the roads.

"If people don't see you on the roads then we are providing them with a licence to police themselves."

Last weekend the Island was dealt another blow, when the eighth person in two months died on the roads.

Sen. Burch said a small group of officials had been meeting on a regular basis to deal with these matters, however, alcohol had been a factor in many of the deaths and prevention also rested on the public's personal responsibility.

He said: "Alcohol has been a critical fact in six of the road deaths this year. The real problem is we need people to make better decisions themselves.

"Not going out to drink on Friday night and not driving home. That's the real message we need to get out. Going out and drinking and getting behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster.

"We have to change our mind set. I have had to do it and one has to be conscious of your friends."