Opposition parties are calling on Government to back the Police by allocating funds for new technology.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva yesterday said the force needed more funding for technology support but that this was unlikely in the 2010 Budget.

Mr. DeSilva said: "The money I would like to have is to take us into the 21st century".

However, he revealed: "Our technology plans are on hold."

The Commissioner said due to the recession, the budget will be so tight the force will be unable to purchase modern equipment similar to that used in other jurisdictions.

This could include patrol car cameras as well as an upgrading of the central computer system, to cut down administration and free up officers.

Mr. DeSilva told The Royal Gazette that in road safety, Police would now pursue an awareness campaign to change people's attitudes to drink-driving.

But Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said: "Government needs to take a great deal of blame for the position we are now in.

"It has not been fiscally responsible. Money has been squandered on projects that haven't been managed well and now we see the chickens coming home to roost, with important areas like road safety and crime tied by budgeting constraints."

Mr. Dunkley gave the 70 per cent rise in costs for the new cruise ship pier, from $35 million to $60 million, and the $2.75 million to be paid to Bermuda Aviation Services Ltd. after Government's recent failed court case as examples.

"People are crying out for law and order, and for road safety, so I think there should be budget allocations we can have based on concerns we have in the community," he said.

"If we had a greater Police presence on the roads, all of us would be more cognisant of the law. The driving habits of many of us however, are abysmal and need to change.

"A big part of that is down to education and enforcement."

Michael Fahy of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance said: "Expecting proper 21st century policing with 20th century tools is unacceptable.

"We are disappointed that the budget for the Bermuda Police Service means technology requirements are to be put on hold."

He also criticised Government's financial handling of capital projects.

"Just think of how the overspend of 'less than $10 million' per (Works and Engineering) Minister (Derrick) Burgess on the Hamilton Police Station (and new Court building) could have been used to fight crime," he said.

Earlier this year the Road Safety Council recommended speed cameras and random breath testing to discourage drink-driving.

Bermuda now has the second highest road fatality rate in the Caribbean and Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

There were 17 deaths on the Island's roads in 2008 the worst toll in a decade. This year 12 people have died.

Road Safety Council chairman Dr. Christopher Johnson said yesterday: "Public awareness is key to changing behaviours that lead to collisions and deaths. Public awareness campaigns alone however, are not as effective as when they are coupled to strong deterrents.

"Whilst it would be great to have speed cameras, I certainly understand the financial constraints the present worldwide economic crisis places on the BPS. We look forward to working with the BPS to make the roads of Bermuda safer in 2010."

Acting Finance Minister Michael Scott said Police budgeting matters were in the hands of Public Safety Minister David Burch.

Mr. Scott said: "Commissioner DeSilva's thesis of focusing on education at this time to address improved road safety is sound and I commend him for addressing funding realities while deploying a viable effective alternative strategy."

Senator Burch did not return this newspaper's requests for comment yesterday.