The number of deaths on Bermuda's roads so far this year - coupled with a lack of staff - has prevented traffic police from patrolling the streets and doling out tickets as frequently as before.

Head of Bermuda Police's Traffic Unit, Insp. Terry Spencer said much of his officers' time had been spent investigating the nine road fatalities and compiling reports, so stopping speeders and dangerous drivers had taken a back seat.

He said during the first seven months of last year, Police handed out 5,103 traffic tickets to motorists.

But during the same period this year, only 4,307 had been distributed.

"They are down, but we are not out there the way we used to be, so the offences may still be occurring but we are not able to put the patrols out there like we could," he said.

"The number of fatals has prevented us from being out there. We do have fewer staff, as well, but the number of fatals is not helping us.

"I am struggling to get teams out there, but especially now because of all of the investigations we have ongoing."

Insp. Spencer said his unit, including himself, was supposed to be equipped with 15 officers. However, it is operating with 12 with no sign of additional officers anytime soon.

But he said during his 13 months heading up the section, he had made it known more than once that he would like more officers.

And he totally agreed with comments made by Road Safety Council chairman Dr. Joseph Froncioni in The Royal Gazette yesterday that in order to slow down the traffic and make the roads safer, a greater number of officers was required.

"I would like to provide at least a minimum of 16 hours coverage and a maximum of 24 hours coverage by my unit across the Island, especially on weekends," he added.

"But the fatal incidents don't permit us to do that. I would love more staff and I totally agree with Dr. Froncioni.

"But we have also to be cognisant of the fact that people need to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions. Having a presence on the road does slow people down, but as soon as we are out of sight, motorists just return to their prior driving practises."

He said he would ideally like a department of 22 officers, including himself, three sergeants and 18 constables. That way, he said he could provide round the clock coverage with three teams of seven, and even more at weekends.

But he said that was unrealistic and not on the cards.

"I would love more staff, but it's not likely to happen within the near future. We will possibly have to wait for the foundation recruitment course to finish."

Insp. Spencer said he blamed Bermuda's poor record of road collisions on the lack of ability of motorists, and the lack of training.

He said nowhere in the world, except for Bermuda, could you pass your motorcycle test without even venturing on the road.

And the officer said he would like the opportunity for all stakeholders to get together to improve training and road safety in Bermuda.

The inspector said since he started on the traffic division and driver training section of the Police in the early 80s, he had noticed the number of incidents increase. But he said that was largely due to the fact that more vehicles were now on the roads.

"I don't think the driving standards have got worse - I just think that Bermudians cannot drive and cannot ride," said Insp. Spencer.

"They are very poor riders and drivers and they always have been, but because of the increase in volume of traffic, they are not getting away with what they used to.

"Every time it rains we see an increase in the collision rate and that's simply because they can't drive and they can't ride.

"We can't ride at 40kmh, so what makes people think they can ride at 80kmh? Speed, poor equipment and people riding beyond their ability is causing the collisions and deaths on the roads."

But Insp. Spencer said he also had issues with the regulations in place and said he believed they had to be more stringent.

"It's too easy to get a licence in Bermuda," he added.

"You don't even have to leave TCD's yard to get a bike licence, and the car test is over far too quickly.

"I also have a major problem with the fact that TCD's examiners take people out for driving tests, but they are just qualified mechanics.

"I would like to see some group set up to improve driving regulations and safety on the roads. I would certainly like to be involved in something like that."

But in the meantime, he urged people to take their time on the roads and to make sure they had high quality equipment, such as helmets.

"Far worse is the person who cannot drive but thinks he can, than the person who cannot drive and thinks they can't.

"There are far too many people in Bermuda who think they can drive and ride, when they quite clearly can't."

Insp. Spencer said he expected some of the fatals on Bermuda's roads to materialise later this year and result in charges - some as serious as manslaughter.

"People will see our efforts pay off and will see some charges being laid against some riders or drivers involved in the fatals," he added.

"We have to be meticulous and very thorough. That's why the effort has to go in. We are not wasting our time."