damaging the Island's roads and bridges, according to the oil company.

Two trucks have been made by a South Carolina company specifically for use in Bermuda.

Esso Operations Manager Mr. Allan Doughty said the tankers would be able to carry 40 percent more fuel than the previous vehicles used by the company.

That represents an increase from 2,400 gallons to 3,360 gallons.

Mr. Doughty said: "It will improve e fficiency allowing for bigger deliveries to our gas stations.'' Safety is also a factor on the trucks with drivers now able to unload at ground level and special fittings attached to remove the possibility of static electricity caused by the flow of fuel.

Mr. Doughty said the six wheelers would create less weight per axle than traditional four-wheeled vehicles.

"The axle weight crossing the bridges is less than the older trucks. There are limits on the bridges like Longbird Bridge and the swing-bridge.'' The trucks are also the first to use new wider wheels removing the need for double rear wheels. They are one and a half times the size of normal wheels but made of aluminium alloy to make them lighter.

Mr. Doughty added: "Oilmens Truck Tanks Inc. from Spartanburg, South Carolina, sent people over here to look at Bermuda's regulations and roads.

"The truck has been custom-built to drive in Bermudian conditions. It is no wider or higher than any other Bermudian truck.

"The cabin was built to the specifications of our drivers who made suggestions about what they would prefer.'' CUSTOM-MADE -- Esso Operations Manager Mr. Allan Doughty (left) and driver Mr.

Neil Paynter with one the company's two new tankers.