There has been a 33 percent drop in road accidents compared to last year, the Home Affairs Minister announced in the House of Assembly on Friday.

And Police continue to test vehicle mounted cameras and legislation allowing the equipment is being drafted, Paula Cox said in response to a question by her shadow, Michael Dunkley .

Ms Cox added that the reorganisation of the Police traffic unit in December last year had resulted in an increased Police presence throughout the Island -- nor had there been an increase in "road rage''.

In his Parliamentary question Mr. Dunkley asked: "Road rage appears to be taking over our Island's roads. It also appears that there is a lack of Police presence and enforcement at the present time. What steps will be taken to make sure road users adhere to the rules of the road?'' Ms Cox responded that it was "unfortunate that misleading and provocative statements such as this are posed under the guise of a Parliamentary question''.

She added: "It is unclear what is meant by road rage but I can report that the Police have received no complaints of road rage since November, 1999.'' Ms Cox said the perception of a decreased Police presence on the roads was "completely erroneous'' and noted the reorganisation was to make more effective use of the two sergeants and 16 constables formerly in a Headquarters based traffic unit.

Now the officers were divided up in to three district units of one sergeant and at least six constables with six cycles and two cars and laser and radar equipment.

They are backed up by a mobile speed enforcement unit of one sergeant and three constables.

"The whole thrust of the Police effort is to promote better driving habits through education and information, backed up by enforcement,'' Ms Cox said.

"These efforts, in conjunction with the work of the Road Safety Council and other efforts of the Ministry of Transport, appear to be working.'' In the three months after the introduction of the changes for the Police traffic department, "the accident rate dropped by 33 percent over the comparable period last year'', Ms Cox added.

Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox