An unpopular ban on Bermuda driver's licences by the state of Massachusetts is being addressed as “a matter of urgency”.

The step, which surprised local travellers attempting to rent cars, was made because the island was not signatory to international treaties. The exclusion goes beyond inconvenience for one woman who contacted us, saying she would have to spend two months in the state later this year for continued knee surgery — with the denial of a rental car effectively leave her immobile.

Asking to remain anonymous to protect her privacy, she pointed out that Bermudian patients attend the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for radiation treatment.

“Those patients need people to go with them and help get them around; they can't be expected to get taxis all over the place.”

Meanwhile, her grandchildren would be returning to university in Massachusetts in a matter of weeks — and usually got driven by their parents.

A spokesman said last night that the Ministry of Tourism, Transport and Municipalities was aware of the steps taken by the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Agency.

“The minister and ministry technical officers are currently working with Government House and the US Consul General on this issue as a matter of urgency, and collectively they are committed to working towards an expeditious solution.”