The National Liberal Party yesterday called on Government to act to "restore order and safety" on Bermuda's roads.

Dangerous drivers have turned road use into a "demolition derby", the party said.

"Public Works does the best it can to improve Bermuda roads and eliminate danger spots. The irony is that all this excellent work is completely wasted because the Bermuda public has sped up with the resulting increased serious injuries and damage to lives and property.

"The speed limit has become a national joke," reads the statement.

It added that the Police Service was "overwhelmed and unable to cope with an increase in speeding and dangerous driving".

"Somerset has not seen any sustained speed surveillance and the roads out to Dockyard have become dangerous speedways."

The statement was issued by the party's vice-chairman Graeme Outerbridge, who went on to urge the public to do their part in making the roads safer.

"The abuse is not confined to just the roads but occurs on paved sections of the railway right of way. Riders in cars and on bikes tear illegally along its narrow stretches without regard for walkers. Our roads and the regular mayhem on them are just one more reason why tourists are losing interest in Bermuda. People need to slow down and be more courteous on our roads." The statement called for "closer supervision" of young drivers through driver education programmes in schools.

"Meanwhile, many mature drivers need to get a grip. There is no need for two cars going in opposite directions to stop on a yellow line to have a conversation at the expense of all other travellers. The common use of cell phones while driving and the daily concert of dangerous driving have made Bermuda road use into a demolition derby."