Just as an East Broadway construction project is causing epic traffic delays for commuters into Hamilton, the Premier may re-stoke the political fire surrounding an array of ideas designed to reduce the Island's car congestion.

These issues have been discussed at senior levels of Government before, but not since the Transportation and Tourism Minister became Leader.

Premier Ewart Brown's press office tells The Royal Gazette initiatives on easing traffic may be tabled before Cabinet ministers so they can consider the ramifications of putting the new ideas into action.

Traffic congestion has been a hot button topic since January 2002 when the National Transportation Management Report was first made public.

It carried an overwhelming 120 recommendations for easing the country's traffic crunch. Some have already been implemented.

Transportation Programme Co-ordinator Larry Jacobs says the ministry "has been quite diligent in implementing the recommendations, in particular public/private transportation services".

He highlighted 20 specific efforts including five high speed ferries, parking at ferry terminals, and minibus services.

That was all part of an "emphasis," he says, "to provide meaningful alternatives to the private car".

Now with those alternatives in place, the Premier's attention turns to decongestion.

Second-Hand Cars

Eliminating Bermuda's second-hand car market has been batted around for some time, but never acted upon.

It appears now, the idea is back open for debate.

The Transportation Report, now almost five years old, revealed 52 percent of vehicles on the road were second-hand.

Dissolving that apparently thriving market would certainly reduce the number of cars over time, but it may also prevent large numbers of the public from the privilege of vehicle ownership.

On this subject two years ago then Tourism Minister said: "It's a problem because the proliferation of vehicles is made worse when you have the option of getting rid of your car early. So the second hand car market sort of makes a vehicle available for sale which wouldn't be available if the owner had to hold on to it."

Up until the mid-90's, drivers who sold their used car had to agree they wouldn't purchase a new one for 12 months.

Motor Car Act 1951

The Motor Car Act of 1951 currently allows drivers to use the assessment numbers of a friend or family member to gain ownership of a car, even if the driver doesn't live there.

Proposed changes would require car owners to live in the residence of the assessment number they are using.

It also requires that the car owner have a valid driver's licence in order to own a car.

Landlord & Tenant Rules

Potential changes here would make it unlawful to let an apartment for rent without an assessment number.

Landlords might adopt this practice so they could use their tenant's assessment number for their own second car - or permit someone else to use the assessment number.

Tourist Drivers

This idea would prevent repeat visitors to Bermuda who own fractional units from owning a car.

Leaders would also consider more permanent steps to abandon any move toward rental cars for tourists.

Of the five initiatives, only the prohibition on rental cars and the elimination of the second-hand car market were in the 2002 Transportation Report, according to Mr. Jacobs.

The other measures have come from places inside the Government brain trust.

Some ideas like the amendments to The Motor Car Act will require the support of elected officials beyond those at the Cabinet level. Others though could be implemented unilaterally.