Legislation to introduce rental minicars was approved unanimously by the Senate yesterday.

The Motor Car Amendment (No 2), presented by Michael Fahy, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Municipalities, paved the way for introducing vehicles, which have to be no more than 60 inches wide and 115 inches in length.

While the legislation initially raised concerns of taxi operators, the Bermuda Government maintained that the 150cc vehicles — capable of carrying no more than two people — would not negatively impact the taxi industry. Detailing the legislation, Mr Fahy noted that the ministry had consulted with taxi operators to address their concerns, and noted that talks were under way with the Corporation of Hamilton to potentially set aside particular parking spaces at Bulls Head for the vehicles to reduce any impact on parking elsewhere.

Kim Wilkerson also said the Progressive Labour Party was generally supportive of the legislation, noting the potential opportunities for entrepreneurs, and objected to a suggestion by Mr Fahy of “political gamesmanship” during the debate on the Bill in the House of Assembly. “It’s the job of the opposition to raise questions, even if they are generally supportive of the legislation,” she said.

Ms Wilkerson also raised questions about the fees, noting the comparatively high cost of licensing a taxi compared to the $500 fee to hold a licence for 25 minicars. Her comments were echoed by her fellow PLP senators.

Meanwhile, independent senator James Jardine expressed support for the legislation, saying his concerns revolved around aspects such as parking and rider training, recalling an incident in which his car was struck by a tourist travelling on the wrong side of the road.

He called on the Government to continually monitor the impact of the vehicles.

OBA senators Vic Ball, Lynn Woolridge and Jeff Baron also voiced their support for the legislation, emphasising the need for new tourism products.

Responding to the issue of fees, Mr Fahy said that the $500 fee is far from the only cost a livery would need to pay to get a minicar operation up and running, describing the figure as a “happy meeting point”.

He also said that while some taxi operators might be impacted as they attempt to collect passengers in Dockyard, Government did not believe that the minicars would make a notable difference in the choice of cruise ship passengers.

The Senate also unanimously approved the Proceeds of Crime Amendment (No 3), which is intended to strengthen anti-laundering and anti-terrorism financing regulations by covering dealers in various high-value goods.

Ms Wilkerson described the legislation as a “minor but positive amendment”, while Mr Jardine called it an important step to make sure the island is compliant with international standards.