The number of cars on Bermuda's roads increased by 50 percent in the last decade, and there is still no sign that they have reached their peak.

At a presentation on Bermuda's Roads, held by the Department of Works and Engineering, chief engineer Mr. Dave Arden told those at the Number One Shed last night that the increase in the number of homes meant there was every likelihood the number of cars would increase.

The number of cycles, he said, have also significantly increased and remain the most significant factor of accidents on the Island.

"In the past six years, there have been slightly more than eight fatal accidents on average,'' he said. "The most significant factor of accidents in Bermuda is the motorcycle.'' Mr. Marshall Minors, principal highways engineer, said that $10 million in outstanding road works are required but that the department is restricted because of budget constraints.

He said that Bermuda's system of roads is unique in that it developed from the paths taken by horse carts in the past.

The engineer said the Island's roads are equally divided with 140 miles of public road and approximately the same amount classified as private road. A budget of $5.7 million is allocated for maintenance to roads, docks, bridges but the funds do not cover special projects such as the East Broadway development. Mr. Marshall said $2 million was required for the project but that it came in slightly under the estimated cost. He added that 8,000 tonnes of asphalt are laid on roads each year, which is produced by the quarry.

However, due to more cars on the roads and because many are on the road for a longer time than in the past, the department is considering importing a material to complete a road surface matching international standards.

Mr. Marshall said while changes to certain carriageways had been considered, those such as Harbour Road, South Road, Cork Screw Hill and Parson's Lane would be preserved "to retain some of the charm that Bermuda's old roads did have''.

Engineer Mr. Mike Samson said a number of variables are considered in designing Bermuda roads -- traffic levels, visibility, pedestrian needs, bus lay-bys and shelters and landscaping costs among others.

Engineer Mr. Curtis Charles said that under Private Road Improvement Act 1969, road improvements are funded by Government if there are three or more landowners with an Annual Rental Value (ARV) of $7,000. If the ARV reaches $17,000 Government does not contribute.