Government has responded to the impending financial crisis by pulling 45 of its own vehicles off the roads. However, it is understood that no ministerial limousines will be included in this cull, writes Clare O'Connor.

Minister of Works & Engineering Derrick Burgess announced a nine per cent reduction of the Government's fleet, attributing the controversial move to "fiscal prudence".

Mr. Burgess added that the decision, which is aimed to save money on exorbitant maintenance and vehicle insurance costs, "was not well received in some areas of the public service".

"During its deliberations, the Cabinet Committee noted with concern costs involved in maintaining the fleet of Government-owned vehicles, including insurance and repairs," he said, noting that this figure reached $3,758,000 during the fiscal year 2007/08 – up more than $750,000 from 2004/05.

"The Cabinet accepted the Committee's recommendation that there should be an immediate reduction of nine per cent in the number of Government-owned vehicles."

Mr. Burgess said this cut would not include any of the Bermuda Police Service fleet, or vehicles from other areas relating to health care or national security.

The 45 retired vehicles will be stored at the Government Quarry in Hamilton Parish, with older cars scrapped and more recent models used to replace aging vehicles.

"The decision to reduce the numerical size of the Government-owned fleet was not well received in some areas of the public service," he went on to say. "The Government wishes to applaud those public servants who have lost their previously assigned vehicles without complaint."

Mr. Burgess described the move as part of a Government commitment "to effect enhanced efficiency and fiscal prudence".

While The Department of Works & Engineering did not confirm this as the Mid-Ocean News went to press, it is understood that none of the much-maligned limousine-style Peugeot cars favoured by PLP Ministers would be taken off the roads.