registration number has been put forward as one way of easing the congestion in the city.

Sen. Allan Marshall said cars with odd numbers would be allowed in on alternate days, and those with even digits would be given access on the remaining days.

Those who ignored the rule would have to pay a financial penalty, he said.

Sen. Marshall said it was worth considering such a plan to improve quality of life on the Island, at a time when residents and tourists alike were complaining about pollution and congestion.

Speaking to the Senate, he said the idea -- which was not included in the Government report "Strategies to Improve Transportation Mobility, Road Safety and Vehicle Emissions as Bermuda enters the 21st Century'' -- could provide an answer.

Talking later, he said it was time for the Government to take some hard decisions that may not be liked by people who had become used to using cars for all their transportion needs.

"I think we have got to stop paying lip service to the issue and recognise these are national decisions,'' he said.

"There are only certain times when we have the opportunity to make these decisions. If you want to get back quality of life then you have to make tough decisions -- it is tough decision time.'' Another plan could see all delivery vehicles forced to make their drops in Hamilton early in the morning or during the evening.

In addition he saw pedestrian areas as another way of enhancing the city area and improving the air quality. And the relocation of the container docks to Southside was an option.

Earlier the Government senator told senators that the traffic situation had reached crisis point. The success of the country had brought a double-edged sword, with over 47,000 vehicles on 280 miles of road, driven by 34,000 licence holders.

Mr. Marshall said he hoped that the transport study did not lay on a shelf, gathering dust, when it was an issue that affected everybody's life.

Report on Senate, Page 2