Harsher penalties for motorists who commit traffic offences could be in the pipeline, the Acting Minister of National Security revealed.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch said this week that he was “deeply concerned” about continuing challenges related to road safety and poor driving habits.

His comments came after police acknowledged that a three-year-long campaign to reduce dangerous driving habits was having insufficient impact on the problem.

On Tuesday, Acting Superintendent Robert Cardwell said that Operation Vega had failed to stem the number of collisions on the island’s roads and reported traffic offences were increasing.

Responding to that news, Colonel Burch said that laws “may need to be updated to give our law enforcement a stronger and more effective deterrent to poor driving habits”.

He said: “I also believe that a greater police presence on our roads is an effective component to deter bad behaviour.

“Our goal is to review and strengthen our laws in collaboration with all stakeholders to enhance the safety of our roads for everyone.

"I am deeply concerned about the ongoing challenges with road safety and bad driving habits in Bermuda.

“Despite the efforts of the Bermuda Police Service through initiatives like Operation Vega, it is evident that more needs to be done to address dangerous and irresponsible driving habits.

“I sympathise with the police and acknowledge their difficulties in enforcing road safety. I also remind the public that use of our roads comes with individual and collective responsibility to do so safely.

“Every day, we see irresponsible behaviour on our roads, such as people using cell phones, driving at excessive speed and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For the sake of everyone's safety, these bad habits must stop.”

Ben Smith, the Shadow Minister of National Security, also called for penalties to be increased — and for other initiatives to be introduced to prevent speeding and drink-driving.

Mr Smith said: “It’s disappointing but not surprising that three years on, Operation Vega has not bred positive results for the Bermuda Police Service.

“How can officers enforce positive driving behaviours on our roads when there are not enough of them to do so?

“In order for bad driving behaviours to improve, residents need to fear that they will be caught and reprimanded and, sadly, this is the not the case.

“Gone are the days when there were police at every turn, regardless if it was day or night.

“A comprehensive review of our road laws is desperately needed and increased penalties need to be implemented.”

He added: “Motorists drive carelessly or do not adhere to the rules of the road because they know it’s not a high probability they will be caught.

“For quite some time sobriety checkpoints have been announced and advertised in advance, yet still there is a significant number of people caught driving while under the influence on those weekends.

“Is this reflective of motorists who are willing to cull bad driving habits?

“The Bermuda Police Service are doing the best they can with what they have to work with but there are ways that they can be assisted in doing more.

“Speed cameras can be installed across the island. This will free up officers to attend to matters that need greater attention. As soon as you are caught speeding, a ticket is automatically sent to the address where the vehicle is registered.

“Sobriety checkpoints should no longer be announced. We must show road users that we are serious about their safety at all costs.

“Bars and restaurant workers must become more stringent and recognise when someone has consumed enough and stop serving them. While it may cause a disgruntled customer, it’s better that they are alive and well.

“More must be done to encourage the reduction of drunk driving; carpool with a designated driver, catch a taxi, call a friend for a ride — anything but operate a vehicle while under the influence.”

Mr Cardwell said earlier this year that there was a great deal of disparity in road traffic legislation and a police proposal was submitted to the Government to set all fixed-penalty notices for traffic offences at $300.

Speed detection software is expected to be added to the island’s upgraded CCTV network in a later phase of that government programme.

Mr Smith said this week: “The police have continued to work with the resources they have been given without complaining but it is time that they are given proper resources and support.

“The Bermuda Police Service must be brought back to their full complement of officers so that the reshaping of our community can be tackled with the correct police enforcement.”