New motorbike owners will get a break on the licence fees after the Senate passed the Auxiliary Bicycles Act yesterday.

The legislation is aimed at redressing a a long-time flaw in the Act whereby bike licences were charged on a monthly basis, said Sen. Victoria Pearman (PLP). This, Ms Pearman said, was unfair for customers who perhaps got bikes towards the end of a month but had to pay a licence fee for the entire month. These fees will now operate on the more equitable daily rate basis. Ms Pearman also noted that the same issue - as it relates to licences for private cars - will be addressed soon in another amendment. Sen. Patrice Parris (PLP) moved the Government Fees Amendment (No. 2) Regulations and the Government Fees Amendment (No. 3) Regulations through the Upper House with no objections.

The first amendment allows for psychologists to be charged a registration fee. In Bermuda psychologists must be registered with the governing body in order to practice. The registration lasts for three years. Passage of the Act allows for them to pay a $100 application fee and a $100 renewal fee. The Government Fees Amendment (No.3) Regulation relates to fees associated with the registration of nurses on the Island. Nurses must be registered with the Nurses' Council locally with the registration lasting two years.