Vehicle mechanics will face penalties if they breach health and safety regulations, in a major shake-up of the industry.

Under the Garages Licensing Act 2022, which was passed in the House of Assembly last Friday, garage operators will have to comply with a raft of safety measures or have their licence revoked.

Lawrence Scott, the Minister of Transport, said legislation had not been updated since 1951, and that a major overhaul of the regulations was required.

The ministry believes that creating specific offences and penalties to deal with those who operate garages outside the confines of the law will enhance vehicular safety and protect consumers and the environment.

He said: “In recent years the Transport Control Department and the Office of Consumer Affairs have received numerous complaints from members of the public.

“TCD has received complaints concerning increased levels of noise and air pollution, the repair and servicing of vehicles at private residences, substandard work produced by unqualified individuals, vehicles parked and abandoned on public roads and in public parks, and conducting business during inconvenient times.”

Mr Scott said that existing laws did not address complaints and that the minister could only revoke a licence when a premises were no longer operating as a garage.

He said that although offences were mentioned in the Act and regulations, neither piece of legislation assigned penalties.

He said: “Primarily it is for this reason the ministry recommends the revocation of Public Garages and Filling Station Regulations 1952.

“This new Act will provide the required tools to take action against offenders. The most crucial aspect of this legislation, is that regulators finally have the legal authority to address non-compliance.

“Failure to meet specific safety requirements contravenes the regulations. For example, operating a facility without the required safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher. It is also an offence to hold oneself out to be a registered automotive mechanic if you’re not registered, or your registration has been suspended.”

The Bill establishes eight categories of licence and the process by which the respective licences can be acquired.

Inspections to ensure that regulations are adhered to will be carried out by TCD personnel while the department’s director will have the authority to issue a stop order.

Mr Scott said: “The Bill also sets out the safety requirements, offences and ticketing requirements of automotive and cycle service technicians.

New classes of garage and renewal fees are also created under the Bill.

Susan Jackson, the Shadow Minister of Transport, said that the Act appeared to be “squeaky clean”.

She said: ‘I immediately wanted to come to the defence of those mechanics who are trying to make a go of it.

“Well, the minister has made it very clear that … there must be some garages out there that are completely disregarding the regulations and such.

“When we deal with vehicles and the hazardous materials that they use, we just can’t play around with that as it exposes us to hazards.

“Reading through the legislation itself it smells like a brand-new car dealership. This legislation is clean.”

Ms Jackson expressed one concern with the “stringent” regulations — asking how Bermudian mechanics would be able to maintain “a footprint” in the industry.

She said that as many as 80 per cent of technicians were guest workers, and training programmes needed to be provided for Bermudians.

Mr Scott, who revealed that he is a car enthusiast who enjoys motor mechanics, replied that the Bermuda College offered courses.

The Bill, which contained 60 clauses, was passed and will now go before the Senate.