Bermuda Opposition Pushes Road Safety Bill Forward After Government Blocking Attempt
Published on 07/21/2026 at 09:57 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
The One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) has pledged to defend a proposed road safety law after the Government failed in a procedural bid to kill the legislation earlier this month. The Road Traffic and Motor Car (Road Safety and Penalties) Act 2026 remains active following a Speaker's ruling that allowed it to proceed, meaning employers and road users across Bermuda face the prospect of significantly tougher penalties for traffic offences.
Government Challenge Defeated in House
On 17 July 2026, the Government moved to dismiss the road safety Bill before its second reading, arguing it should be classified as a "money Bill" — a designation that would have halted its progress. Speaker Dennis Lister rejected the attempt, ruling instead that the legislation would be carried over to a future sitting.
OBA Shadow Minister Jarion Richardson said the opposition will use the summer recess to prepare a formal response and intends to return in September to defend the Bill's provisions.
Tougher Penalties and New Enforcement Powers
The legislation introduces several strict measures aimed at improving road safety. Key provisions include:
- Doubled penalties for a range of traffic offences
- Increased licensing sanctions, with both disqualification periods and demerit points doubled
- Streamlined enforcement, removing the requirement for advance public notice before sobriety checkpoints can be established
Mr Richardson emphasised that the OBA remains committed to the legislation despite the Government's procedural opposition.
Political Shifts and Fiscal Disputes
The road safety debate comes amid significant political developments. Premier David Burt recently announced he will step down later this year to spend more time with his family, though he plans to retain his House of Assembly seat.
Fiscal transparency has also become a flashpoint. OBA MP Scott Pearman noted that the island's issued debt has reached nearly $3.5 billion. He challenged the current administration's claims about debt growth, stating the OBA inherited a budget in 2013 with debt at $1.57 billion — a figure higher than that cited by Government.
In a separate vote on 17 July, the House rejected Mr Richardson's proposal to ban unsuccessful election candidates from working for the Premier or Opposition leader for two years. The Bill failed 16 to 9.
What's Next
The road safety Bill is expected to return in September. Meanwhile, the Government has allocated $3 million for a Community Beautification Programme starting in August 2026, involving landscaping and repairs. Minister Tinée Furbert also announced that parent cybersafety and digital wellness courses — covering artificial intelligence and screen time — will be introduced during the summer and autumn.
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