The Opposition says it will not support a congestion charge.

Shadow Minister for Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Michael Fahy, said the introduction of a charge for motorists could discourage people from shopping in Hamilton at a time of economic uncertainty.

Senator Fahy said: "The United Bermuda Party does not support the idea of a congestion charge. Whilst we are fully cognisant of the need for all Bermuda residents to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, a congestion charge is not the way to go."

He was responding to an article in The Royal Gazette yesterday which reported that Government is considering a congestion charge among measures to encourage greater energy conservation among the community.

Energy Minister Terry Lister announced the idea of a congestion charge in his statement: 'A National Policy Consultation on Energy Debate' to the House of Assembly.

Mr. Lister told MPs: "Public relations campaigns and incentives such as congestion charging based on occupancy are options to encourage car-pooling."

Congestion charging has already been adopted in many European cities to cut down on traffic and pollution. For example, motorists travelling into central London between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to Friday pay a daily charge of eight pounds sterling.

Since the congestion charge was launched in 2003, traffic levels in central London are said to have dropped by a fifth, or by 70,000 cars.

Yesterday however, Sen. Fahy said: "Whilst a congestion charge has reduced traffic in central London, the fact is that London's public transportation system is far superior to that of Bermuda, with night buses and other modes of transport such as the Underground, a never-ending fleet of black cabs and minicabs to assist those who do not drive into London.

"In short it is far more able to handle increased demand than Bermuda."

Sen. Fahy said: "Motorbike accidents and deaths are at an all-time high due to the Government's failure to address speed and dangerous driving on our roads. We have made many suggestions on ways in which to improve road safety, which will encourage people to use bicycles and other modes of transport in return.

"We all know in Bermuda that the amount of traffic is cut by a significant amount when schools are on holiday, which suggests many simply use their car in the morning and afternoon for the 'school run'.

"We have suggested for years now that schools must have a proper school bus transportation system which will reduce significantly the amount of traffic on the roads and in turn, the amount of petrol used."

He said: "In addition, the retailers of the City of Hamilton have suffered long enough given the economic downturn and the lack of cruise ships calling on the city. Discouraging drivers from visiting Hamilton through a congestion charge could mean even fewer persons shopping there.

"Instead of such a tax, which will hurt the less well-off, we suggest that the Government lead by example slash the number of Government vehicles, create a Ministerial car pool, crack down on those who abuse the car registration system, enforce existing small truck rules, reduce the size of vehicles on our roads, and require all new vehicles to be more fuel efficient by legislating miles per gallon standards.

"These are just some of the ways in which to reduce fuel consumption."

Sen. Fahy added: "We must again remind the public that Belco is going to have serious issues with power provision by 2013-2015. That is where we need to concentrate our efforts.

"Energy supply is, and should be, a national concern, and conservation and alternative energy solutions a national priority. We will support initiatives that offer real alternatives to fossil fuel consumption, but time is of the essence."