Bermuda's Road Safety Council will be keeping a close eye on accident statistics to see whether they increase as a result of motorists abusing a new system of automatic speeding fines.

Under the new system, effective this month, no matter how many automatic fines a speeder is made to pay he or she will not be taken off the road.

But Council chairman Mr. Wayne Furbert said although he and other members will be watching accident statistics, he does not believe they will go up.

He said he felt the 25 to 50 percent increase in speeding fines accompanying the new system "would act as a deterrent''.

"Those with plenty of money to spare who continue to get caught for speeding better have a very deep pocket because the fines will eventually take their toll,'' he said.

If there does seem to be an increase in accidents and reckless driving, Mr.

Furbert said the Council would consider making recommendations to Government.

However, he said the system would help remove the stigma attached to those, especially young people, who attend court on more than one occasion for speeding.

"It makes you feel like a criminal,'' he said.

Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall announced that as of August 1 those caught speeding up to 50 kph will be fined $100 and up to 54 kph, $150 -- representing a 25 to 50 percent increase in the fines currently being meted out in Magistrates' Court. Offenders will pay the fines the same way they pay parking tickets, but will be given seven days to pay before a warrant goes out for their arrest.

Motorists caught driving at speeds of more than 54 kph will continue to be dealt with in Magistrates' Court and they could still face losing their licence. Their fines will also be increased.

Opposition spokesman for Transport, Mr. Walter Lister called the increases accompanying the new system "rather exorbitant''.

But Mr. Marshall said the system will reduce the pressure on court staff and save people from having to spend an entire morning in Magistrates' Court.

Seventy percent of the 5,000 speeding cases processed each year are for speeds of less than 55 kph, he remarked.

He pointed out, however, drivers must show a current driver's licence in order to receive a speeding ticket under the automatic fine system.