Truckers are calling on the public to rally in support of moves to dump tractor trailer dumpsters.

Independent truckers say the vehicles are operating on the Island's roads "illegally" and that they are taking away their livelihoods.

Drivers say the large trucks are restricted to transporting demolition rubble such as bulk concrete, steel, and other heavy materials, but that they have been seen with aggregate loads such as sand, soil and gravel. They have up to five times the capacity of regular HCH-class dump trucks, and so are putting operators out of work.

Last night members of the New Bermuda General Truckers Association held an 'emergency meeting' at Bailey's Bay Cricket Club to determine further action, after claiming meetings with Premier Ewart Brown, Transport Minister, have "failed in bringing about any resolution".

They want the public to keep their eyes open for tractor trailer dumpsters transporting aggregate, and for the Ministry of Transport to disclose any company granted permission to move such loads as a matter of public record.

The Truckers Association claims the number of dumpsters on the roads have increased from six to 20 in the past four years and that they are operating at Dr. Brown's "discretion".

President Richard Foggo said last night: "It is our belief that tractor trailer dumpsters are being allowed to operate illegally on the roads of Bermuda. At the discretion of the Minister this permission may be granted.

"These dumpsters carry five times the amount of material of our HCH trucks. This is occurring every day - moving materials which can be safely carried by general truckers.

"The effects of this action are clear - approximately 90 families having food taken off their tables every day."

In January, The Royal Gazette reported more than 50 self-employed truckers had petitioned Government for answers, arguing that without a special permit from Dr. Brown or an amendment to The Motor Car Act 1951, the dumpsters were moving materials illegally.

A Government spokesman said at the time: "Certain guidelines were relaxed several years ago to allow tractor trailers to be on the road during specific times. The relaxation of the legislation is at the discretion of the Minister of Transport."

In a letter dated May 14 however, Cherie Whitter, Permanent Secretary of Tourism and Transport, said a review of the use of tractor trailers was expected.

"It should be noted that the (Motor Car) Act has not been amended to allow the dumpsters to operate in the same capacity as general trucks. The restrictions, as per the Motor Car Act, apply."

Mr. Foggo said last night: "We are looking to the general public to be aware, and follow our plight as we address the current Minister of Tourism and Transport with regard to the permitting of dumpsters, tractor trailers, on Bermuda's roads.

"The Minister has informed us that he has not granted such permission but claims he will allow this massive demolition equipment to take work from the small working businesses, to allow these multi-million dollar companies to control our work.

"We must take this stand and protect our families, our businesses and the economy of Bermuda.

"Our meetings with the Minister of Transport have failed in bringing about any resolution and we have watched our livelihoods be depreciated by this action from the Ministry of Transport. We must intensify our efforts to have this matter resolved now."

Mr. Foggo said: "The future of our businesses and our families depend on us standing up to be counted. We ask all of Bermuda for your support."