Today is the deadline for taxi-drivers to install GPS devices that Government promises will help provide better service.

The Motor Car Amendment Act 2005 was passed on July 26, 2005 ? although it was first conceived by Tourism and Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown in 2001.

The ?GPS bill? made it illegal for drivers of the Island?s 600 cabs not to be ?appropriately equipped?.

?Appropriately equipped means equipped within six months of the coming into operation of this subsection, with a two-way radio set; a mobile data terminal; a global positioning device; and an alarm device, approved by the Minister,? it said.

However, Dr. Brown said yesterday he is not focusing on punishment and has enabled a grace period for drivers in genuine financial hardship. But he urged the remainder to get a GPS without delay.

When asked how long the ?grace period? was likely to last, Permanent Secretary of Tourism and Transport Marc Telemaque said yesterday it had not been defined.

?We will be talking to the Attorney General about that,? Mr. Telemaque said.

Attorney General Larry Mussenden could be reached yesterday.

But Dr. Brown?s ministry congratulated the taxi industry, in a release, for responding to ?the need for change and the call for better service?.

In particular, it said, Bermuda Taxi Association leader Michael Ray had done a tremendous job in equipping taxis with GPS for today?s operative date.

On Friday, Mr. Ray said the 250 cabs signed up with his firm would be ready by today.

Co-op President Alaine Whitter said she wanted to fit 150 cars as GPS suppliers Mobile Knowledge demonstrated their $2,500 sets this week, while Radio Cabs boss Eddie Darrell said two of his cabs were GPS-ready.

?With this in mind we urge members of the public to exercise courtesy and patience as the system of computerised dispatch is introduced to our Island,? Dr. Brown said. ?Taxi drivers will be working hard at familiarising themselves with the new equipment and the travelling public is reminded that the aim of this system is to improve service.

?For those taxi drivers who have not yet had their vehicles fitted with the computerised dispatch equipment, the Ministry continues to urge them to do so without delay,? Dr. Brown said. ?This is an exciting day for Bermuda and for those owners who are not yet a part of this process, I urge them not to delay their success any longer.?

And because he anticipated an increase in visitors in 2006, Dr. Brown said a February GPS deadline allowed any ?kinks? to be worked out before the ?beach and sizzle? summer season.