Truckers ground traffic to a standstill yesterday in protest at the use of tractor trailer dumpsters on the Island.

Up to 22 trucks took part in the convoy from Paget to the City of Hamilton, halting morning commuter traffic with slogans such as 'Help Us' and 'Say No To Dumpsters, Say No 2 Brown Now'.

Accusations of Government cronyism were also emblazoned on the vehicles, with one independent trucker asking the question 'Policy for Cronies?'

The HCH-class truckers claim the large tractor trailer dumpsters are taking away their income through the illegal transportation of aggregate.

Members of the New Bermuda General Truckers Association say these larger vehicles have grown from six to 20 over the past four years, and that they are operating at Transport Minister, Premier Ewart Brown's "discretion".

The truckers claim that under The Motor Car Act 1951, the larger trucks are restricted to transporting demolition rubble such as bulk concrete, steel, and other heavy materials. Many however, have been seen carrying aggregate loads such as sand, soil and gravel.

According to a letter dated May 14 from Cherie Whitter, Permanent Secretary of Tourism and Transport, the Act "has not been amended to allow the dumpsters to operate in the same capacity as general trucks".

A Government spokesman said earlier this year: "The relaxation of the legislation is at the discretion of the Minister of Transport."

It is understood Dr. Brown has issued special permits to enable tractor trailer dumpster trucks to carry aggregate.

Members of the Truckers Association claim those in receipt include: BCS (Bermuda Construction Services), Correia Construction, Island Construction Services, Dynamic Excavating and Landscaping, the Ministry of Works and Engineering, and M & M Construction.

Opposition Leader Kim Swan, who met with demonstrators yesterday in Bernard Park, said: "This is a microcosm of a major issue in Bermuda. The truckers are up against the major firms, they are up against Correia Construction and Island Construction. That's a direct political connection.

"It's symptomatic of a wider problem that exists when you're talking about fairness and equality. Messages such as 'Policy for Cronies?' are powerful messages of a style of governance which is causing the hard-working Bermudian to feel uneasy."

Mr. Swan said: "Excavation is the bread and butter of these truckers, and they feel the competition is unfair competition."

Dennis Correia, the owner of Correia Construction and husband of former PLP candidate Jane Correia, was yesterday off-Island and unavailable to comment.

However, Zane DeSilva, president and CEO of Island Construction, said: "In the world of competition there is just that – competition. There is nothing to stop any individual from going out to purchase a dumpster.

"At the moment we have about 17 to 18 dumpster trucks on the road. If that is illegal then every truck on Bermuda's roads is operating illegally.

The Government MP for Southampton East Central added: "Everything that we do we do have permits for. The law is the law at the end of the day. Every permit Island Construction has obtained legally. We operate within the realms of the law."

Asked whether he felt more aggregate business could be returned to the independent truckers, Mr. DeSilva said: "Give it back? It was never taken from them."

He also addressed truckers' claims that one Association member is being refused assistance in loading up at Island Quarry.

Mr. DeSilva said: "That's between (the unnamed trucker) and my brother. That would be an issue they need to sort out themselves."

One trucker taking part in yesterday's demonstration who did not wish to be named said: "We have no problem with these dumpsters being used for demolition purposes such as at Club Med, but we want them off the road at other times. Each truck is five drivers' livelihoods, and so with 20 dumpsters, that's 100 drivers out of a job.

"We guys are losing 60 percent of our income. We are struggling."

Richard Foggo, president of the Truckers Association, said yesterday: "The public was very supportive this morning and we appreciate that. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience.

"We have had no justification from the Ministry of Transport for these vehicles so we had to come out today to show the public the problems we are having."

Mr. Foggo said he met with Transport Control Department (TCD) Director Randy Richardson and that Truckers Association representatives will meet with construction companies operating the dumpsters tomorrow in an attempt to iron out the issues.

But he added: "Until we get a firm position we are going to stand firm. If it's only talk then expect these men to stand up for their livelihoods and their families."

Tim James, chairman of the Trucks Advisory Committee, said yesterday: "The concerns of the General Truckers Association may be better addressed if they talk directly with their industry competitors.

"Based on the talks I have had with the General Truckers Association, the main sticking point is competition. There are trucking companies out there with the necessary permits for decades and who have steadily built up their businesses. It would be irresponsible and unreasonable for the Government to step in and tell a properly permitted business person that he or she must give up the jobs they have worked legally to secure."

A Government spokeswoman said a TCD review of the use of tractor trailer dumpsters has now been completed.

"It was observed and concluded that several operators were using dumpsters inappropriately, and as a result, TCD issued notices to all permit holders advising truckers about operating in contravention of the law," she said.

"TCD once again reminded all commercial truck operators that they are still required to apply to the Minister of Tourism and Transport for the occasional use of dumpster trucks."

She said: "TCD will remain focused on upholding the law, and in that regard, the Bermuda General Truckers Association has the full support of the Government. It should be important to note that the Government has consistently hired independent truckers for public projects.

"The president of the New Bermuda General Truckers Association has been hired to complete tens of thousands of dollars in work for the Government in the current fiscal year."

Yesterday it emerged the Bermuda Police Service is considering issuing the demonstrators with tickets for "various traffic offences".

Traffic Police diverted the truckers through the City of Hamilton to Dutton Avenue after they were seen "disrupting the regular flow of traffic" by driving between the roundabouts of Trimingham Hill and Crow Lane.

A Police spokesman said: "A number of offences were detected and some truck drivers were reported for various traffic offences. The BPS is currently reviewing the situation to see whether or not any other offences may have been committed."

Last night the Premier Ewart Brown said the issue would be left up to the chairman of the Truck Advisory Committee Tim James.

He said: "He has a good understanding of what is happening in the trucking industry. I don't know most of the details but there is no contemplation of a policy change."