Just for a while today, everyone in the House of Assembly will agree on something: talking on your cell phone as you drive is a bad thing.

The United Bermuda Party and Bermuda Democratic Alliance are both throwing their support behind Premier Ewart Brown's move to ban motorists using hand-held devices such as cell phones, iPods, iPhones and BlackBerrys.

An average ten accidents a week happen due to inattentive driving according to Police statistics — and the figure is expected to grow this year.

Dr. Brown's press secretary Jamahl Simmons said yesterday: "With the amount of accidents and deaths on Bermuda's roads, the Ministry has undertaken to review all aspects of driver behaviour as part of the overall plan to improve driving habits and driver safety.

"You will recall the implementation of the Bermuda Youth Licence earlier this year. Well, the banning of cell phones and similar devices is another piece of the overall puzzle that the Ministry is working to repair."

The Traffic Offences Procedure Act 1974 Specified Penalties Amendment Notice introduces $500 fines for using hand-held phones or electronic entertainment devices while driving

UBP leader Kim Swan, who will lead the Opposition's response, yesterday praised his colleague John Barritt who pushed for action in Parliamentary Questions in recent weeks.

"We are pleased the Minister has moved with effect on this matter," said Mr. Swan.

"We have been calling for controls on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices since 2005 because we saw their use in vehicles as a road safety problem.

"Research in jurisdictions across the world has shown that to be true and so we are pleased that Bermuda has finally joined them in banning their use for non-emergency purposes.

"I want to take the opportunity to congratulate my colleagues on their push over the years for this change and, most recently, John Barritt, whose Parliamentary Questions earlier this month appear to have been the final straw that got the Transport Minister to make changes."

Mr. Swan is likely to rise the touchy subject of GPS systems in taxis, which he says diverts attention from road driving just like cell phones do.

BDA MP Mark Pettingill said: "I understand that studies have shown that using your phone while driving is the same as drunk driving.

"Anything that may help with safer road use is a good thing. People can buy hand free devices very reasonably these day — while you may look a bit wacko seemingly talking to yourself it's safer."

Christopher Johnson, chairman of Bermuda Road Safety Council which has been calling for such a ban, said: "We believe that inattention is a major factor in road collisions. We believe that this legislation, if adhered to by the public, will result in fewer collisions and injuries on our roads."

The legislation will also make it illegal for motorcyclists aged under 18 to carry passengers: introducing $300 fines each for the driver, passenger and whomever allowed them to do it.

People under 18 will also be fined $300 for riding a bike between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. — with young visitors forking out an extra $100.

Dr. Brown first floated these suggestions last year as part of a graduated licence scheme encouraging younger drivers to learn better habits.

The amendment also brings in $500 fines for unauthorised tinted film or sun shaded material on windscreens and car windows.

Also today, Finance Minister Paula Cox will give a second reading to the Credit Unions Act, which aims to modernise Bermuda's credit unions by giving complete regulatory and supervisory responsibilities to Bermuda Monetary Authority.

Ms Cox says this could lead to higher membership, savings growth and stronger financial performance of credit unions.

"Credit unions are a very special entity and globally are being viewed as a way to encourage entrepreneurship and to help to foster an enabling environment that can help spur wealth creation," she told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"So I am pleased that we are taking a quantum leap with the intended passage of this legislation. I can note that I am particularly pleased because there was a tremendous amount of collaboration between the affected stakeholders: the Credit Union Executive, and the independent regulator, the Bermuda Monetary Authority."

The Deputy Premier said she met with a former senior executive officer of the World Council of Credit Unions, to help ensure the legislation takes on board the International Credit Union Principles.

She added: "More importantly, I believe that through this piece of legislation we are recognising that there is no one-size fits all legislation for the regulation of financial services."

The Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment (No. 3) Act, which extends the controversial land licence deadline from June 22 to December 31, is also expected to be debated.

And Mr. Barritt could push ahead with his private members' bill — the Court of Appeal Amendment Act — which lifts the double jeopardy provision for all crimes where fresh and compelling evidence comes to light; and gives prosecutors the same right of appeal as the defence in criminal cases.

A similar bill was tabled by Government last week, but the veteran UBP MP has expressed concern over whether that goes far enough; the legislation put together by Attorney General Kim Wilson relates solely to murder.