Opposition Transport spokesman Jamahl Simmons has slammed the granting of a car size exemption for a Progressive Labour Party trustee as a favour for a friend.

On Saturday The Royal Gazette revealed Henry Talbot had been given permission to own a Mercedes larger than the Island's size standards.

Transport Control director Kevin Monkman had said permission was granted because legislators will be increasing the size of private cars within weeks with amendments supported by both the Opposition and industry stakeholders.

But Mr. Simmons said: "It's inappropriate for the civil servant to be pushed forward and be used as the scapegoat.

"The minister is the one at the end of the day who makes the final decision.

"Our concern is that any number of similar requests go through TCD during the course of a week and get turned down."

He said there was no compassionate case for the dispensation in the case. "This is really just a private luxury car."

The power for ministers to bend the rules had been there for hardship cases such as people needing extra space for handicapped passengers, said Mr. Simmons.

"It really does give the impression it was a favour for a friend not rather than for the interests of the community."

He said the PLP would question why they Opposition was complaining when they supported the imminent bid to increase car sizes.

Mr. Simmons said Government would be screaming if the taxi drivers implemented their promised fair increase without waiting for final approval from Government.

Currently private car size limitations stand at 169 inches long and 67 inches wide. Mr. Talbot's Merc is about one inch too long.

Legislation tabled in the House of Assembly recently will increase the maximum length of private cars to 175 inches, the width to 71 inches, and the engine to 2.5 litres.

However the Merc's motor will still be too powerful under the new bill. Dr. Brown is off the island and could not be reached for comment last night.