United Bermuda Party MP John Barritt said the ban on using cell phones while driving would be better off scrapped if police and Government don't start enforcing it.

"I almost feel like bringing a bill here to revoke it. It's a nonsense. I don't see anything happening in terms of enforcement," said the Devonshire South Central politician of the law which was passed four months ago.

Mr Barritt called for any problems which make enforcement difficult to be ironed out as soon as possible, telling the House of Assembly: "Someone who drives with a cell phone may not have any regard for their own life, but I fear for others.

"By passing a law to outlaw it, and you then turn a blind eye, you are in fact assisting to develop a culture that states on the roads that anything I can get away with is permissible."

Under new laws passed in July, people can be fined $500 for driving or riding while using a cell phone, iPods and other hand-held devices. The legislation came after Government pointed to a correlation between accident rates and inattentive driving.

Also during his Motion to Adjourn speech, Mr Barritt reacted to Economy Minister Kim Wilson's statement that Bermuda currently has 6,817 "active work permits", with 35 percent of those granter waivers and another 35 percent extended.

He said the number of waivers made him question whether term limits are really working.

Mr Barritt also said the total number of work permits is now half what it used to be, reflecting tough economic times for Bermuda.

"You walk Reid and Front Streets, they are not as busy as they once were," he said as he encouraged businesses to promote themselves in the run-up to Christmas.