In an effort to get more trucks off Bermuda's roads, Parliamentarians passed a law to allow two new classes of vehicle.

"The evolution of truck permits in Bermuda is a study in confusion and inequality," Tourism and Transport Minister Ewart Brown said in the House of Assembly last night.

Dr. Brown said in order to qualify for a truck permit, one had to own a business and provide proof that you needed a truck to TCD.

As more businesses were able to prove their need for one there was an increased number of trucks on the roads, he said.

But once the Motor Car Amendment Act (No. 4) 2005 comes into effect on September 1, 2006, residents who require a truck temporarily will be able to rent one instead.

"Hire trucks are in existence already but without the benefit of a framework," he said.

Dr. Brown said there would be a moratorium on special truck permits for lunch wagons, water trucks and dump trucks because of inequalities in the system, such as having limited number of permits people could own for a lifetime.

"Out of 16 permits, four of the people were dead and six more were no longer in business," he said. "But a moratorium would prevent this so that fledgling businessmen can participate in the economy.

"Congestion on the roads is real," he said. "If we want to keep the quality of life we have, decisions have to be made and actions taken."

Shadow Transport Minister Jamahl Simmons wondered why Dr. Brown would introduce two new classes of vehicle ? a passenger truck and a hire truck ? and still cut congestion.

Shadow Minister of Housing Wayne Furbert said he was confused whether existing companies could purchase new trucks and understood that after next September they would not be able to.

"There are people driving trucks who do not need to be," Mr. Furbert said.

Deputy Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley did not believe the legislation would reduce congestion.

Mr. Dunkley also said a system needed to be worked out as to who would be allowed to rent or hire trucks before 2006.

"How will the system work?" he asked. "We have tremendous traffic problems but I can't see how hire trucks will fix it. Will we have a Bermuda version of U-haul trucks on our hands?"

Dr. Brown responded by saying the TCD Truck Committee had a biased method for granting permits for trucks and a more level playing field was needed.

"General trucking will not be affected," he said. "If ten people came to TCD and made a case for why they need a truck, they would end up with ten trucks. When this thing is in effect these people will have to rent trucks."