BERMUDA's independent truckers have issued a rallying cry, slamming the Government for "riding roughshod" over the Motor Car Act.

The island's small truckers claim they are being ignored despite months of pleas to the Minister of Transport via direct petition and in the local media.

Now, they fear financial ruin unless action is taken to halt the use of large trailer dump trucks for everyday jobs.

One local businessman with links to the trucking industry has called on the Transport Minister, Ewart Brown, to start adhering to the law, especially when dealing with construction companies run by his affiliates.

"The law specifically states in the Motor Car Act of 1951 that trailer dump trucks should only be used on specific demolition jobs," he said.

"They seem to be everywhere, carrying screenings, foil and fans. They're now directly competing with the small trucker. It is questionable whether or not they are allowed to be on the road."

He added that Dr. Brown's awarding of lucrative contracts to large construction companies with their own trailer dump trucks only worsens the situation.

"A couple of big construction companies are directly affiliated with this Government," he said.

"The Government issued big contracts to these companies. Contracts aren't bid on, and the tendering process is not adhered to. This includes big projects like the golf course and Dockyard cruise terminal. If these dumpsters weren't used they'd have to use the independent truckers, and the wealth would be spread more evenly.

"These big companies should farm out the business to smaller trucks."

Another local worker, himself an independent trucker, has criticised Dr. Brown for "abusing the system", claiming the use of dumpsters for day-to-day work "flies in the face of the Motor Car Act."

"The Minister for Transport is out of touch with reality," he said.

"He's given a whole pile of truck permits out and is selling them at $80,000 a piece. Every time these truckers look, contracts have gone to companies with big dump trucks.

"What the Motor Car Act says is that nothing is supposed to go on a trailer that fits in a general truck. This is no different than rules and regulations for taxis. These guys are abusing the system. They've run us around for four years on the issue. The Minister is using his discretion despite it flying in the face of the Motor Car Act. They are running roughshod over the industry."

He added that the current financial crisis means small truckers are hit doubly hard, unable to get work to pay back loans for expensive permits.

"The small trucker has purchased an expensive permit for upwards of $80,000 to operate," he said.

"These big trucks are taking the bread right off their plate. The reality is, these buildings in Hamilton, like XL and Ace, were built using little trucks. These dump trucks aren't required. What's going to happen a few years out? For the smaller guys still paying for vehicles, scraping together ridiculous loans for these crazy prices? How can they pay it back?"

The independent trucker added that large dumpsters are endangering the environment by deteriorating the island's small, narrow roads. He also believes they represent a menace to smaller vehicles, especially mopeds.

"These dumpsters are driving up and down all day every day," he said. "They're putting stress on the roads, and they're dangerous. How often do you see them coming straight for you, if you're on a bike?"

He believes the only hope for the independent trucker is to band together and organize. He fears, however, that few truckers will be willing to speak out, fearing retribution from the Government and its allies in business.

"Government suppresses the voice of the trucker ¿ there is very little negotiation," he said.

"For the truckers looking to put food on the table, there is no room to negotiate. This Government is a labour government and should look out for the small man. It is allowing big business to run riot."

The businessman added that the Minister of Transport should revert to the lawful practice of only allowing large dump trucks to do demolition jobs, as outlined in the Motor Car Act.

"The previous administration used to allow trailer trucks to only do specific jobs," he said. "Truckers should get themselves organized. It doesn't appear Government will bend on this issue. It is imperative that small truckers get a bit of the action. We call on the Minister of Transport to act. "