Police have denied that early morning traffic congestion entering Hamilton on Wednesday was exacerbated by Police pulling motorists over on the Lane in Paget for vehicle checks.

A commuter, who asked not to be named, claimed traffic back-ups caused by a motorbike accident on Front Street were made worse by the Police?s Selective Targeting Enforcement Programme (Step) aimed at keeping Bermuda?s roads safe.

According to Police spokesman Dwayne Caines, Police were not doing random checks but were stopping offenders who were not wearing seatbelts, not having helmets fastened, and not stopping at the stop sign at the bottom of Stowe Hill, Paget.

Mr. Caines said people were stopped in the lay-by near Aberfeldy Nurseries.

He added that 150 tickets were issued that day and the Police cannot shoulder the blame for the back-up on Wednesday.

Mr. Caines added that the Step programme started a few days earlier ? 60 tickets were issued on Monday and 61 on Tuesday.

Police are advising drivers to obey all traffic laws as there will be a greater Police presence on the roads. Offences that are being targeted are: speeding, seatbelts, helmets, and driving without due care.