Speed cameras could be installed around Bermuda by the end of the year with Flatts Village receiving the pilot scheme.

Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox said legislation needed to be changed before the cameras could be brought in.

She said: "It's possible we could do that before the end of the summer and the cameras could come by the end of the year, possibly sooner.'' Government wants to make some speeding fines payable without a court appearance. This meant changes to current legislation, said Ms. Cox.

She said: "We have to rationalise the system of paying.'' Flatts Village Development Committee Chairman W.A. (Toppy) Cowen said speed cameras would be a big help.

He said the pledge was made after Government refused requests for cobbled stones to slow traffic through the village.

"It's great, if that's the only thing we have to cause people to slow down,'' said Mr. Cowen.

"We had asked for cobblestones because they are quaint and unique but you can't have everything.

"There was concern on what they would do to bicycles.'' He said planners told the committee that speed bumps would cause bottlenecks.

"We've been promised the speed camera as soon as they can be made available but the sooner the better. It's just a matter of time. It's coming, we have been promised that.'' Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said: "We have had talks with the Commissioner of Police about the possibility of installing cameras in the village in a pilot programme.

"We feel that, in addition to using the cameras to monitor the traffic flow there, signs warning motorists that speeders would be caught on the cameras and ticketed will help to reduce speed in that area.

"Flatts Village will gain a reputation as the last place one would want to speed through.'' Mr. Scott said further talks would hammer out details over cost, location and maintenance of the system.

Paula Cox