A warning not to speed to beat the curfew deadline was issued by police yesterday.

Police warned the public should plan ahead so they do not have to race home.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Na’imah Astwood said only one breach of curfew arrest was made over the weekend – but that people should leave plenty of time to make it home before the 12.30am curfew kicked in.

Ms Astwood added: “During previous curfew restrictions, the Bermuda Police Service observed an increase in high rates of speed by individuals attempting to make it indoors before the start of curfew.

“This resulted in a number of serious road traffic collisions – a situation we would not like to see repeated during the current curfew restrictions.

“We have already recorded nine fatal road traffic collisions so far this year and there were several serious collisions over the weekend.”

Ms Astwood said: “While our officers will be out on the roads ensuring compliance, we wish to appeal for individuals to exercise even more caution when using the roads in the hours just before the start of the nightly curfew.”

She thanked the public for sticking to the curfew, which is expected to remain in force until October 1.

Ms Astwood said anyone who faced an emergency and had to leave home after curfew should call the main police number at 295-0011 and speak to the duty inspector before they made a decision to leave home.

She added: “Let’s continue to work together as we see our island though this difficult time.”