The Bermuda Road Safety Council has created a new licence for young people between the ages of 16 and 18. This licence will be known as the Bermuda Youth Licence.

It has been created to make the roads in Bermuda safer by imposing two restrictions. Young riders will not be allowed to carry a passenger on the back of their motorbike or ride between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

There has been a dramatic increase in road accidents and road fatalities in the past couple of years in Bermuda.

Action has to be taken to ensure safer roads and fewer accidents. In the week of December 9th, 2009 the police reported 40 collisions.

On an island of this size that number is way too high. In 2008 there were 17 road fatalities, that is more than one per month.

Anyone between the ages of 16 — 18 will have to obey the new regulations, even if they have been issued a licence already.

For some riders this means they will suddenly have to stop taking passengers that they have been taking for over a year now.

Infractions of these rules lead to serious punishments. Anyone caught breaking the rules will risk a fine of $300, five to seven demerit points on their licence and even a six month ban from riding. These new restrictions will be enforced by the end of February 2010.

To gain a Bermuda Youth Licence it is necessary to complete the Project Ride programme and earn a certificate; then take a medical form and pay for the licence.

Riders who have existing licences do not have to go to the TCD for a new licence, but they have to keep to the new laws.

The idea is meant to be a long-term solution: training the youth to a higher level now will have an effect on their driving for the rest of their life. It also takes the less experienced riders off the road during the most dangerous times.

This new legislation is the law now, but it is not popular with young people about to get their bikes, and especially with those who now have to change the way they were riding.

Young people feel targeted, as it has been proven that they are not the most dangerous driving age group.

The new restrictions create problems for the riders who have jobs that finish at around 1 a.m. For example, if you babysit until after 12 a.m., you might not be able to get home in time.

It is unlikely that anyone would want to come get you, and staying over at their house is not likely to be a real possibility.

If you have been bringing your sister to school for the past year, now you suddenly won't be able to because of this regulation, even though you feel that you are perfectly capable and have everything under control. This is guaranteed to make the plan unpopular.

There is some concern with the concept because a 20-year-old will not face these restrictions even though they have the same lack of experience.

Also, tourists who rent bikes do not even have to pass a test. However, the restrictions are imposed on tourists who are under 18.

It would be useful to know why these particular restrictions were decided upon.