says the Senior Magistrate.

The Wor. Will Francis opened a recent traffic court with a stern warning to speeders.

Of 115 people in court that day, more than half of them were only there because they were not carrying their licences when stopped by Police.

"I don't understand why people don't carry their licences,'' Mr. Francis said. "You waste the court's time, you waste your own time, and you cost yourself more money.'' The first offender to face the magistrate pleaded guilty to speeding at 52 kilometres per hour and was fined $180.

Had the man been carrying his licence, he could have paid the fine without going to court and likely would have paid $150, Police prosecutor Sgt. Earl Kirby said outside court.

Most people in traffic court paid about $30 more than they would have otherwise, he said. And they had long waits for their names to be called. So crowded was the courtroom that many had to wait in the corridor outside.

Motorists charged with driving at speeds up to and including 54 kilometres per hour did not have to appear in court, provided they had their licences, Sgt.

Kirby said.

No Bermuda law requires motorists to carry their licences.