The Transport Ministry is considering the increasing the maximum size of private cars.

But the Minister, Ewart Brown, has not made a final decision and last night said Cabinet might get to see the changes by December -- if at all.

"It's a safety issue,'' Dr. Brown said. "The Ministry is considering extending the limit to allow proper bumpers. I personally like the idea...'' Currently the Motor Car Act allows for the maximum size of cars to be 87-inches-by-169 inches.

The Ministry could push the limit up to 90-by-178 inches to accommodate the larger bumpers on luxury cars.

Dealers and importers often cut or replace standard bumpers to squeeze under the limit, but this reduces the effectiveness of the safety device.

"I'm hoping we will be able to discuss this in Cabinet before the end of the year,'' Dr. Brown said, adding that the action was not due to any lobbying.

"This is an initiative within the Transport Ministry,'' he said. "We simply want to make the cars safer.''