An amendment to the law which will allow the owners of fractional units to hire cars was passed unanimously by MPs, despite sustainability concerns.

The Motor Car Amendment (No. 2) Act 2010, tabled by Premier Ewart Brown, prohibits the owner of a fractional unit from owning a car but gives the Transport Minister the ability to licence a car hire service specifically to serve them.

Dr. Brown told the House of Assembly late on Friday night: "Currently, there are plans to add 700 fractional units to the tourism bed count.

"The purchase of such a unit calls for a significant individual investment. Those who invest in Bermuda do not expect transportation challenges."

Each hire service will be able to have one car for hire for every ten fractional units but no more than ten vehicles in total.

Only those with a valid Bermuda driver's licence will be able to hire a car and it will be illegal to hire a car to someone who does not own a fractional unit.

Opposition Leader Kim Swan spoke in favour of the amendment, saying that the limit to the number of vehicles available for hire was essential for the sustainability of the Island.

Independent MP Darius Tucker dismissed concerns that the amendment would worsen traffic, saying: "The people who stay in these units, they're not going to be driving into Hamilton at 8 a.m. At 8 a.m., they're going to be in bed."

Bermuda Democratic Alliance MP Donte Hunt said that while the amendment may contribute to an increase in traffic it would also provide better value for those who may invest in the Island.

"These people who spend $500,000 should get good value," he said.

He, along with UBP MP Charlie Swan suggested using low emission vehicles as a step in the right direction for the country. Dr. Brown said that idea was being considered.

While the Premier noted that a sustainability group had spoken out against the amendment, he said: "If we continue to say no to everything, we will fall even further behind [in tourism]."