September 23, 2008

I WOULD like to make a public plea to the Minister of Transport.

Recently I have noticed the proliferation of trailer dump trucks (TDT's)on the roads of Bermuda. It's my opinion these TDT's are being used illegally, outside the remit of their license. The Motor Car Act of 1951 paragraph 2 item (V1) states; trailers not to be used for transport of any item, material or load which can safely be carried in a truck. Presently these TDT's are carrying aggregate such as screenings, sand, soil, rubble and other processed material which may be carried in smaller HCH class trucks. Operating these trailer trucks in this manner I believe, is threatening the livelihoods of the small independent truckers.

It is my understanding that these vehicles are on Bermuda's roads because you as the Minister of Transport did exercise your discretionary power to allow them. The capacity of these trailers is on average five times larger than the HCH dump truck. This is of great benefit to the large business owner privileged to have such permits, but does nothing to promote the entrepreneurial spirit of the small independent trucker.

With the recent economic slowdown and the forecast that it will not be improving anytime soon, there are many small independent truckers who are at risk of losing all that they have worked so hard to achieve.

It's my view, independent truckers are hard working Bermudians who have made many sacrifices to earn an honest living and these TDT's are a direct threat on their ability to provide for their families.

In the past, previous Ministers of Transport have exercised their discretionary power and allowed these vehicles to operate on specific large demolition projects with the permits later withdrawn upon completion.

My request is too your compassionate side, in asking you that you reconsider the decision to allow these vehicles to operate unabated. Please reinstate the restriction that limits the use of these vehicles to only carry construction debris as stipulated in the Motor car Act of 1951.

I am addressing this through the media as the pleas of the truckers up until now have been futile.

Thank you for your consideration on this matter.

LIVELIHOOD AT RISK

P.S. These extremely large trailer trucks pose a danger to the motoring public and increase the deterioration of our road surfaces.