traffic congestion on the Island.

Yesterday Transport Minister Wayne Furbert unveiled the ambitious project, which has been developed following months of research and consultation exercises with transport bodies.

Plans currently being considered include: The creation of a central authority to integrate all modes of transport; New road safety initiatives such as tougher driving tests, harsher penalties for driving offenders and the introduction of speed cameras; Improving public transport methods to encourage drivers to leave their cars at home; The use of low smoke engine lubricants and adopting higher emission standards to cut pollution; and The creation of an independent airport authority.

Mr. Furbert explained the Island's transport network was under increasing pressure, with more vehicles on the roads. "With the increase in private motor cars, comes an increase in congestion, pollution, road safety and land use and quality of life issues,'' he said.

"Bermuda is not unique in this. Throughout the world, countries continue to balance the demands of mobility with transportation infrastructure and road networks.

"To ensure that we are successful we will need a major shift in thinking about the different services and the way they operate.

"To address the myriad of transportation issues facing the country, the Ministry of Transport commissioned four specific research projects.

"These have now been completed and form the blueprint of proposed recommendations.'' At the centre of the facelift is the establishment of a Transport Authority, which will oversee an integrated transport plan. The authority will be run by a board of directors responsible for administration, management, planning and operation of transport services.

The ferry service will also undergo major changes in a bid to make it more attractive to commuters.

The current fleet will be replaced with higher speed vessels making it quicker to get from Somerset to Hamilton by ferry rather than car. Ferry staff will go on a customer service training programme and all ferry fare collection will be undertaken by the Public Transportation Board.

Current minibus contracts will be revised and research will also be carried out to see if an independent school bus service would be more efficient.

Transport plan Furbert warned that services needed to improve.

Recommendations include in-car radios being made compulsory and the setting up of an elected body to act as spokesman for all drivers.

And a mix of education, enforcement and engineering strategies will also be introduced to try and improve road safety.

A graduated licensing system, whereby beginner drivers are licensed under certain restrictions and achieve driving privileges as they become more competent, will be introduced along with a penalty points system and vision tests for drivers renewing their licences.

Traffic calming measures, including speed bumps and cats-eyes will be installed on some roads and TCD officers could become traffic cops, helping the Police to enforce road safety laws.

The Government will also be handing over responsibility of the Airport to a new airport authority in order to make it financially self sufficient.

"Government adopts the recommendations outlined herein as its transport policy for the next millennium,'' Mr. Furbert said. "The Government is committed to ensuring that Bermuda is ready for the 21st Century with a transport policy designed to keep Bermuda competitive.

"The transport system of the future must concentrate on providing a high quality of service and convenience. These are fundamental reforms which are being urged to meet the challenges of a fundamentally changing world.'' Road to Change High speed Somerset-Hamilton ferries Penalty points for driving offences Tougher driving tests In-car radios for taxis