Government has moved to reassure single people who own cars that they will not be losing their licences ? at least not in the near future.

But Transport Minister Ewart Brown has confirmed that restrictions on car ownership are among the options being considered to control the increase in vehicles on the Island and to cut congestion.

Other options include encouraging car pooling, banning second-hand cars and also ending designating special buses for schools.

?We have never recommended that single residents of Bermuda be restricted from purchasing a car,? Dr. Brown said.

?As part of our ongoing plan to improve transportation in Bermuda and to reduce traffic congestion, we are examining creative options for further consideration. These may include methods to encourage residents to use public transport and other measures to reduce traffic congestion.

?I believe that we must address this issue before it negatively impacts our quality of life.?

The Ministry will be taking the issue to Cabinet in the next few weeks, a Government statement said.