Educating motorists to the benefits of always carrying their driver's licence is what is necessary in Bermuda -- not stricter laws, a Government Minister said yesterday.

Acting Transport Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon said calls by Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood to make it compulsory for drivers to carry their driver's licence would be "heavy-handed''.

Sir James said officers should be able to arrest or detain traffic offenders until they produce their licence. He said this would eliminate cases of motorists giving false personal information to officers.

Senator Gordon said she understood and appreciated the Chief Justice's comments, especially in light of the Supreme Court appeal by Mr. Kent Douglas Gary Dill which Sir James recently heard, in which Mr. Dill was arrested on suspicion of giving a false name and address. His appeal was upheld.

"I feel because the majority of motorists do carry (licences), we do not need a heavy-handed or over-regulated approach,'' Sen. Gordon said."The public should know that it will benefit them to have their licence with them at all times.'' Sen. Gordon pointed out that anyone caught speeding up to 54 k.p.h. who have their licence with them when they are stopped are not required to appear in court. They are issued a ticket on the spot, pay through the Magistrates' Court cashier, and the incident does not appear on their traffic record.

Those who are unable to produce their licence under such circumstances will not be so lucky. They must make a court appearance, and will have the offence added to their Police record.