Legislation for the importation of classic cars has been approved by the House of Assembly, and the owners will get an extra day of the week to take their vehicles out on the roads.

Wayne Furbert, the transport minister, noted the vintage cars rally that came to the island in May, and said the island could tap into a “market with worldwide appeal”.

The Motor Car (Classic Cars) Amendment Bill permits the owner of a vehicle 25 or more years old to apply to have it designated a classic.

Residents will be permitted to pay an application fee for the importation of classic cars.

A maximum of 200 classic cars would be allowed on the island’s roads, although the minister could raise that number.

Mr Furbert said there were 17 classic cars on the island, allowed on the roads on Sundays and public holidays under what was formerly a Transport Control Department policy.

Saturdays will be added under the legislation.

Mr Furbert said the move “signals that Bermuda is open for business and is accepting of new experiences.”

“A potential social benefits may be the emergence of service garages or specialist mechanics.”

Previously the annual licensing fee of a classic vehicle was 25 per cent cost, but it will be raised to 40 per cent to reflect the additional day.

Susan Jackson, the shadow transport minister, said she had difficulty with a single piece of legislation making “only one minor change” applicable to few people when the island faced more pressing transport issues.

“The taxi industry is really struggling and we are still dealing with a number of bus cancellations and other challenges within transport.”

However Ms Jackson said the was “an opportunity here for Bermuda to develop a cottage industry”.

She asked why classic motorcycles had not been included — with Mr Furbert saying he would “take that under advisement”.