Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes is questioning the structural safety of Bermuda?s roads after legislators gave the green light last month to increasing the weight of trucks.

Sen. Hughes is concerned that dump trucks and other trucks which transport heavy waste and construction material may be putting undue stress on the roads, potentially causing some areas to cave in or crack.

?Twenty-ton dump trucks put a huge weight on the roads,? said Sen. Hughes. ?No one seems to be giving it much thought, I hope the structural engineers are on top of it.?

Sen. Hughes said there is an area of Lighthouse Road in Southampton which appears to be torn up from use by heavy trucks.

The Motor Car Amendment Act allows the increase in the dimensions of private cars, private light trucks, light trucks and intermediate trucks. It also creates a new class of car. The maximum length of private light trucks and light trucks is being increased from 5,500 pounds to 7,000 pounds. The maximum weight of intermediate trucks will be increased from 9,000 pounds to 12,000 pounds.

Sen. Hughes said people who want to walk on the roads for exercise or pleasure find safety an issue since not all of the roads have sidewalks.