The Transport Minister has launched a campaign to crackdown on oversized vehicles and the size of motorbike engines and the amount of noise they produce.

Dr. Ewart Brown has informed motor vehicle dealers of the crackdown which has come about after some of them imported cars, trucks and taxis which were longer and wider than allowed by law.

They were then sold without alterations to customers who were not aware that the vehicle was illegal until they took it for its first test at the Transport Control Department two years after purchase.

In addition, continued Dr. Brown, inspectors at the Transport Control Department have not always been consistent in applying the existing laws and he has met with them also.

He said: "I have put them on notice that the existing Motor Car Act will be enforced and we will not tolerate non-compliance.

"The past practices have been a disservice to an unsuspecting public. We need to ensure that the laws are upheld and are applied with fairness and consistency.'' The specific areas in question include: enforcing the length and width requirements -- 169 inches and 67 inches including bumpers; enforcing the 100 cc maximum engine displacement; and enforcing the 93 dbA allowable noise limit for bikes.

Dr. Brown said the meeting with dealers had set the stage for a positive relationship that will enable the dealers, Transport Control Department and the Ministry to work together in the best interest of the Bermuda public.