A slightly darker tint on car windscreens is to be allowed, along with the use of hands-free technology such as Bluetooth, under legislation coming to the House of Assembly.

The announcement came from Shawn Crockwell, the Minister of Tourism Development and Transport, who said tinting stood to be increased from 30 per cent to 24 per cent.

Tinted windows can reduce fuel costs for air conditioning, Mr Crockwell said, while permitting “qualified hands-free communication devices” will bring the Island’s Motor Car Act “closer to meeting the needs of the 21st Century road user”.

“We have all seen the increase in the use of technology in our daily lives and the hands-free technology has advanced to functions that traditionally required the use of ones’ hand are now executed by voice.

“This has proved to be very beneficial, particularly in the transportation industry.”

Many vehicles now coming into the Island are already equipped with Bluetooth, the minister said, adding that the legislation will not apply to motorcycles.

The possibility of a ban on tinted helmet visors, which have been used by perpetrators of gang violence, remains off the table but is “something we will continue to take a look at”, he said.