to Cabinet within the next few weeks, the Environment Minister said.

Policy is currently governed by the 1911 Advertisements Regulation Act -- a once forward thinking piece of legislation now out of date for the 1990s.

But a review instigated by former Environment Minister, Gerald Simons, has now been completed and his successor, Mr. Tim Smith, expects to present amendments to Cabinet soon.

Mr. Smith scotched reports the review had been scrapped saying he was concerned about the proliferation of signs in Bermuda.

"I have studied all of Mr. Simons' notes and I have met with the Corporation of Hamilton and I will be proposing some new changes to the Act to Cabinet in the next few weeks,'' added Mr. Smith.

He said he had been looking at all aspects including the type of signs used, where they can be placed, the use of logos and graphics as well as the message on signs.

"When I joined the Ministry I said this would be a priority. I believe we have an unreasonable amount of signs,'' added the Minister.

Under current legislation all advertising, with a few exceptions, is technically illegal.

Stores may advertise sales and goods inside shop windows but, outside, signs must not break the skyline and may only state the name of the company and general character of the business in letters no higher than 15 inches.

Critic and historian, Mr. Andrew Trimmingham, recently said no-one nowadays obeyed the law.

He said the act was a classic piece of legislation created in days when Bermudians wanted to keep their Island free of advertising. It is also thought the proliferation of signs is caused by an ignorance of the law.

As well as the Government, the Corporation of Hamilton is also looking to up-date its Ordinance -- or legislation -- governing signs.

It has held talks with the Government to ensure there is no conflict between the two sets of rules and will also be in talks with the Chamber of Commerce.