were fined for speeding offences in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The normally quiet court corridors were packed. Both designated court rooms were full and all the seats in the hallway were occupied.

Many people stood wherever they could find a space, while the more ingenious turned their crash helmets into makeshift stools.

Whether employed or unemployed, they were ushered in alphabetically to answer the charges, some with the occasional smirk or wry smile.

A total of 196 people were due to appear, although a few failed to show up.

Though most people fell within a range of 52 and 59 kph which carried fines of $180 to $220, there were at least three people who pleaded guilty to travelling at speeds exceeding 70 kph.

Royal Gazette business reporter David Fox had to part with $350 after he admitted speeding at 70 kph on North Shore Road. Senior Magistrate the Wor.

Will Francis also took him off the road for 12 months.

Also in court was ZBM senior reporter Evelyn James-Barnett who pleaded guilty to speeding at 56 kph. She was fined $200.

The steady sound of `guilty your worship' was interrupted by the odd `not guilty' though there were few sounds of protest from those who passed before Mr. Francis.

Most people were caught in one of three places. Palmetto Road, South Road or Crow Lane, while Middle Road and Trimingham Hill also claimed its share of speeders as well.

At least 20 people pleaded guilty to speeding at 54 kph or below. They could have avoided the trip to court if they had their licence with them on the day that they were caught -- provided the fine was paid within seven days of the offence.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Roseanda Jones, while unable to confirm whether this was the largest number of people to be processed before the traffic court, said that it would be a mistake to assume that the high number was the result of extra patrols on traffic duty.

"We are actually under-staffed at the moment,'' she said. "But these numbers are high because many people are failing to carry their licences with them.

"What people do not seem to appreciate is that if they are caught doing a speed below 54 kph, they can be issued a set fine on the scene and they have seven days to pay it.

"This is only available if the person has their licence on them though. If they don't they have to go to court.'' Sgt. Jones added that though the Police Service is understaffed, officers are keen to catch speeders because of the disturbingly high number of fatal accidents so far this year.

And she encouraged motorists to exercise caution on Bermuda's streets and to be especially mindful of exceeding the speed limit.