according to a shock report by environmental experts.

And the report said that the Island is lagging behind Europe and the US in tackling the problem.

It recommends tougher TCD testing to measure pollution -- with vehicles which fail to meet standards being put off the road.

The report said: "Pollution from motor vehicles has become a major environmental concern in Bermuda.

"Motor vehicles emit significant quantities of toxic compounds and contribute to urban haze and soiling problems.

"Bermuda has lagged behind the US, Europe and Japan in implementing control requirements for motor vehicles.'' The report added: "Tourists from these areas, especially the United States, do not expect to encounter motor vehicle pollution when they visit Bermuda.

"But, due to the lack of controls on Bermuda's motor vehicle fleet, tourists are often doused with motor vehicle exhaust, particularly from diesel-powered vehicles and motorcycles. In fact, tourists often cite objectionable motor vehicle pollution during exit polls.'' The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the Ministry Environment from de la Torre Klausemeier Consulting, Austin, Texas.

Tabling the report in the House of Assembly on Friday, Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said the massive report would be reviewed over the summer.

And he added that talks would also take place with vehicle dealers, fuel companies and other Ministry departments.

The report looked at health risks from exhaust emissions based on overseas studies, regulations elsewhere, inspection and maintenance methods suitable for Bermuda and measures to control pollution -- particularly from diesel vehicles and motorbikes.

Mr. Furbert told the House: "Motor vehicles emit significant quantities of toxic compounds and affect Bermuda's quality of life. With additional vehicles travelling our roads, the time is right for a study of this environmental problem with a view to receiving recommendations on ways to combat environmental pollution from motor vehicles.'' But the report said an inspection/maintenance programme similar to those in other countries could achieve "immediate reduction'' in toxic exhaust fumes.

It added: "A long-term solution to Bermuda's motor vehicle problems is to implement US or European standards.'' The authors also said that pollution from diesel engines could be slashed by replacing high pollution motors with new lean burn ones and adopting the US standard for low-sulphur diesel fuel. Diesel fuel has been linked to cancer, especially lung cancer, and breathing problems like bronchitis.

Report slams vehicle pollution The increasing use of cheaper and more fuel efficient diesel fuel has also being linked to an asthma epidemic in urban areas in the UK, especially among children.

For motorcycles, the report advised tougher standards for lubricating oil for two-stroke motorcycle engines -- low smoke oil -- as is common in the USA and mandatory in some Asian countries. That, said the report, would "significantly reduce'' smoke emissions.

Britain introduced emission testing for vehicles several years ago as part of the TCD equivalent, the MoT.

The report also suggested that rather than central Government testing of vehicles, garages could be licenced to perform testing, as is the case in the UK.

GOVERNMENT GVT