relaxing the rules restricting tints on car windows, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

It follows lobbying from garages who said the rules were unfair because they did not take into consideration margins of error in testing equipment and variations in the manufacture of both tint and windscreens.

Robert Wheatley, the owner of Polish Masters, said even the lightest tint available would not pass the 35 percent maximum limit when applied to some cars, particularly European models.

He said there was a two percent variation on every strip of tint, a two percent margin of difference in the glass installed in cars and a two percent margin of error in the testing equipment used by TCD.

Mr. Wheatley has met with Transport Minister Ewart Brown and TCD Director Donald Dane and pushed for the introduction of a six percent variation in the 35 percent limit.

Dr. Brown said last night: "I met with representatives of the installers and a citizens' group and I was very impressed with the organisation and presentation by these young Bermudians.

"I was particularly impressed that they have a clear understanding of how our political process works and is influenced. I think that we can expect an adjustment in the legislation. Something will come out of the meeting.

When asked if that meant an increase in the limits on tints could be forthcoming, Dr. Brown answered: "Yes, there is a good chance of an increase in the limits, provided that I can get it through the system.'' But he noted: "Any new legislation will also discourage installers from knowingly installing illegal tints.

"There is room for liberalisation or legalisation of the limits.

"That is an area that we can respond to a reasonable approach by the citizens. I was very impressed.'' Mr. Dane said yesterday: "I know of it and we're looking into it. We're doing something now to see what can be done.

"I've been on vacation, but I think the Minister has given us some time to come up with some recommendations.'' Mr. Wheatley said: "I could put film in one car that would pass and the same piece of film in another car and it would fail. There is such a difference.

"Even the lightest tint can fail. Most European vehicles are failing.

"There is a two percent tolerance in film and a two percent difference in glass. We are having problems, we are trying to straighten it out and we are getting somewhere.'' Polish Masters customer Paula Franklin is furious that TCD failed her Volkswagon Polo yesterday because inspectors found it had 35.9 percent tint.

Ms Franklin, a single mother from St. David's, is upset that she wasted $200 on the tint and will have to pay more to get it off.