Transport Minister Derrick Burgess yesterday announced a moratorium on the issuing of new water truck permits.Mr Burgess told a press conference that the move was aimed at protecting market share for existing water truck operators.“Water truck operators provide a wide variety of services from delivering water to maintaining water tanks and so much more,” Mr Burgess said.“Over the years the provision of water in Bermuda has evolved to include underground piped in services which will soon span the Island, reaching key areas in the market.“Technology has also visited this industry with some of the newer larger trucks carrying up to two-and-a-half times the load of the traditional truck.“The impact of advancement should not impede progress for those already in the industry.“Currently, the cost of a water truck permit is $65,000 and the annual licencing fee averages about $1,000, depending on the class of the vehicle.“With 45 registered water trucks in Bermuda and the emerging piped water service, some water truck owners will face a decline in market share.“The Ministry of Transport will be placing a moratorium on issuing new water truck permits in an effort to bring some stability to the market and minimise the impact of fluctuations in individual market share.”He said the Ministry will monitor the sector over the next three years to evaluate the effectiveness of the moratorium.“It is our expectation that this move will give existing owners the boost they need to remain fruitful in an ever changing economy.”