TCD Reform
From "What laws would you like to see modernized, reformed or introduced for the benefit of Bermuda?"
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It is time to reform the various laws and acts that TCD are responsible for enforcing and collecting fees for. Having to ask permission by written letter to be able to register a commercial vehicle or have a Sunday permit is just ridiculous and from a time where control of a segment of the population was the goal. Commercial vehicles should be available to anyone who has a business license and is in good standing with the government in payments for taxes, pension, etc... If you want to keep the ability to choose not to drive your commercial vehicle on Sunday, it should be a check box on the license registration form.
A large portion of the population is not able to purchase vehicles they would like to because of these outdated rules. Why am I not allowed to own a small pickup truck or a convertible Jeep for a personal vehicle in this day and age? This also promotes abuse of power and cronyism. You can see the results of this driving around the island if you choose to look for it - Big Jeeps with huge wheels that are "Work Vehicles", as an example.
The legislation regarding the classifications and types of vehicles able to be purchased for private use needs to be modernized to reflect changes in technology and retail offerings. Do we still need limits on horsepower? The speed limit is the same regardless of the vehicle you drive. Does the extra 2 inches in width because of a cosmetic fender change by a manufacturer have to have the result of the vehicle not being able to be sold on the island any longer?
Should there still be a displacement limit on the engine size of motorcycles. Large people are being discriminated against, being forced to ride these tiny little scooters and motorcycles, which, anywhere else in the (1st) world, these motorcycles are typically for learners and young riders. Typical 125 / 150 CC machines are not designed for adults (especially those over 6' in height). Perhaps a tiered licensing system for higher displacement bikes.
The wealthy are able to play the system and get their 2nd vehicles, Jeeps, etc, while the regular person is stuck driving 3rd world only vehicles or tiny vehicles that no one wants to buy.
Perhaps a solution is to allow for a 2nd vehicle per assessment number, but electric or hybrid only. I wonder how many lives would be saved over the next ten years if we were allowed to have a 2nd vehicle other than a scooter per household.
Take a look at the Cayman Islands. They have reduced speed limits and congestion issues much as we do, but they do not legislate what you can or cannot own. If you would like to own a pickup truck, a Harley Davidson, and 200 hp sport bike, as well as a scooter to go to the corner store, go ahead...the rules of the road are the same regardless of what you drive.
I know it bothers me that a government can tell me what I can and cannot drive, especially when I have to sit through adverts on the tv showing all of the vehicles I CANNOT drive even though quite a few of them would be perfect for the island. How many other people feel the same way?