Vexed Bermoothes

TCD has released some details about how their RFID tagging system is working.

In the first 8 weeks that its four sensors have operated, the system has issued up more than 1,580 violations, each bringing a fine of between $750 to $1,000. 

Based on that performance, it’s likely that TCD’s previous estimates that up to 5,520 vehicles are not licensed or insured are high as it’s hard for actively used vehicles to avoid passing through the Paget roundabouts or Blue Hole Hill. 

They are also having problems getting scofflaws to ‘fess up, which is no surprise.  Apparently when an unlicensed vehicle is found, TCD contacts the last known owner by phone and ask them to come in to accept a summons.  It appears that many are providing false information – which is precisely the same problem that traffic police encounter in road stops.

I am of mixed emotions about this system, which cost $2.4 million.  On one side, in this little island with its bad driving habits, all vehicles should be licensed or insured.  As the Police have not adequately enforced vehicle registrations, we must do something.  However, simple periodic sweeps of parking lots with a clamp would probably have the same effect.  And, while the fine revenue is high now, it is likely to tail off very rapidly.  I guess we’ll call it a draw.

TCD reveals also that they plan to use the RFIDs on bikes, where the number of unlicensed or uninsured vehicles are possibly even higher.  As 15-20 vehicles are stolen in Bermuda every week, with a poor recovery rate, the RFIDs could even help track those vehicles (if the tags were bonded to the chassis). 

They also state that up to 16 additional readers will be placed around the island – in other words, at least two per parish with some extras for Hamilton.  One reader in Southampton and one on North Shore would probably suffice.  A vastly expanded system is no longer a licensing enforcer.  It is probably a tracking and toll system.