Legislation imposing more health and safety regulations on garage operators was passed in the Senate on Wednesday.

The Garage Licensing Act 2022, which was passed in the House last Friday, puts forward a raft of safety measures to tighten up mechanics’ operations.

The Reverend Emily Gail Dill, the Junior Minister of Transport, said that the Bill will also put forward stronger penalties that will cut down on illegal or improper operations.

Dr Dill said: “There were some garages that decided to just not comply because they knew there’d be no consequences.”

The Bill was proposed after the Transport Control Department received “numerous complaints” about vehicle repairs taking place at inappropriate hours, as well as loud noises, traffic and impacts on trash collection.

The Bill establishes eight categories of licence and the process by which the respective licences can be acquired.

Inspections to ensure that regulations are adhered to will be carried out by TCD personnel while the department’s director will have the authority to issue a stop order.

One Bermuda Alliance senator Douglas DeCouto warned of the possibility that mechanics would have to get several licences for basic jobs, which could lead to thousands of dollars spent.

He also questioned how this would affect those who fixed vehicles as a hobby.

Dr Dill said that steps would be taken not to criminalise mechanics, but that those who fixed vehicles would “have to show proof” of qualification.