The Government-owned fleet of cars is to be cut by nine percent – 45 vehicles in total, according to a statement from Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess last night.

Just over six months ago, Government announced it would review its travel costs and the size of its fleet. At the same time it announced it was cutting its advertising with The Royal Gazette.

A Cabinet committe reviewed the fleet costs and in a statement last night Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess said: “Cabinet accepted the committee’s recommendation that there should be an immediate reduction of nine percent in the number of Government-owned vehicles, with the exception of the Bermuda Police Service fleet and other areas relating to health care and national security.

“That is a reduction of some 45 vehicles overall. These vehicles will be stored at the Government Quarry in Hamilton Parish. The newer vehicles will be used to replace ageing vehicles whilst the older vehicles will be either sold or scrapped.

“The decision to reduce the numerical size of the Government-owned fleet was not well received in some areas of the public service. However, the Government wishes to applaud those public servants who have lost their previously assigned vehicles without complaint.”

* Full story in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.