to tackle impaired drivers.

The warning came from Progressive Labour Party Sen. Milton Scott at yesterday's meeting of the Upper House.

And he urged Government to warn Police not to carry out "witch-hunts'' under the new laws which target motorists under the influence of drink or drugs.

Sen. Scott reminded the chamber a recent story in The Royal Gazette revealed more than 5,000 Bermudians could be banned from travelling to the US because the Stop List now included drug abusers and addicts.

And he said people taken to court for driving while under the influence of drugs could be added to the list -- even if they are not convicted.

Sen. Scott issued the warnings as Senators discussed the Road Traffic Amendment Act, already passed by the House of Assembly.

The laws will give Police a string of new powers to force suspected impaired drivers to give blood or urine tests under the supervision of a doctor.

Sen. Scott said: "We welcome the Act but we are also concerned about personal liberties and we feel they need to be protected.

"I'm concerned about the number of Bermudians being put on the Stop List.

"All they have to do is go to court and be charged and it's a possibility they could be put on the list.

"We need to make sure that individuals who are found not guilty do not have their travel prospects curtailed.

"I don't think court cases should be held in camera but I would like to see further discussion on how there can be safeguards to protect people's ability to travel outside this country.'' Sen. Scott added that Police needed to be stopped from using the new laws to set up road blocks and search youngsters for drugs.

He said: "This means Police could stop anyone they want just to see if they are using drugs.

"I think that's wrong. I don't want to see this being used as some big witch-hunt and take us back to those 5,000 who are alleged to be on the Stop List.

"I don't want to see en masse road blocks being set up after football matches at the Western End -- just to track all the youngsters down and having them cautioned.

"That could really happen. I want to have an assurance that Police will not be going on fishing expeditions to get individuals they believe may be involved in drugs.

"I don't want to see the possibility of an abuse of powers in terms of policing.'' Fellow PLP Sen. Terry Lister said the Opposition's fears needed to be relayed to Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness.

He added: "My sentiments are that I am also worried about the possible misuse of authority by Police.

"I think Sen. Milton Scott's point is a valid one and we would request that this is carried back to the Minister.'' Sen. Larry Scott , of the United Bermuda Party, reassured the chamber that the law would not allow for an abuse of Police powers.

He said: "The Act isn't concerned with that at all.

"It's not Police abuse but we are concerned about abuse on the road and people who indulge in alcohol -- as well as people who indulge in illicit drugs, period.

"The law is aimed at those people to prevent them from causing injury.'' UBP Sen. Allan Marshall , speaking during a Senate committee meeting, added: "I can understand the concerns about witch-hunting and over-aggressive policing. But we have to be able to send a clear message out there and I think this legislation does that.

"These laws need to hit home and if they save lives, they represent a positive move.''