Controversial proposals to reduce traffic on the Island's roads would never be accepted by the Bermuda public, an Opposition MP claimed last night.

Acting Shadow Transport Minister Erwin Adderley said Government's National Transportation Management Report, which was unveiled on Thursday and contains 120 suggestions to cut congestion, would only damage taxi drivers and would hit people strapped for cash.

Mr. Adderley said that on first perusal, the report seemed to contain much the same as the UBP's traffic survey, produced just prior to the party losing power in November 1998.

However, he said there were a number of "controversial" proposals thrown in, which he believed would never be accepted by the Bermuda public or taxi drivers.

he said some proposals could lead to a loss of business for taxi drivers, such as allowing hotels to provide their own shuttle service to and from the airport; water taxis; and luxury limousines.

He said proposing a ban on second hand cars would take away the cheaper travel option for people who could not afford brand new cars.

And he said suggesting a maximum be placed on the number of cars allowed on the Island could never be imposed because it would prove unfair to some and not to others.

Mr. Adderley said: "My initial reaction to the report is that there are a number of very controversial proposals and I don't think they can ever get approved.

"Controlling the number of cars, for example - how on earth can they do that, and where do you draw the line?

"But I think the most important thing is that the taxi drivers will be hit hard. For what ever reason, Dr. Brown seems to believe that taxi drivers are his enemy number one. This report seems to be designed to make their lives miserable.

"And the suggestion that second-hand cars be banned - what about people who can't afford an expensive brand new car, or single women with children? What are they to do?

"He has thrown up proposals, but there is no thought or detail as to how they will work. The devil is going to be in the detail."

Mr. Adderley said the report to reduce traffic congestion and road use was "hilarious" when Government ministers were driving in cars that were bigger than the accepted size for the Island.

He added: "It's the most hilarious thing ever. They are saying we have to curb our appetite and our transportation habits, yet they are going around using bigger and bigger cars. "