Feedback on new 20mph speed limits to be reviewed

The scheme is set to cost £200,000 to implement islandwide

A wide range of views submitted on the introduction of lower speed limits in Manx residential areas will be reviewed, the infrastructure minister has said.

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) now plans to install new 20mph (32km/h) signs in Douglas and Onchan after their introduction in Port St Mary in February.

Following concerns the plans went too far and would increase travel times, Michelle Haywood MHK said the scheme would "improve the environment" in the areas.

Friday marks the final day to submit views on the island-wide plans, which is set to cost the Department of Infrastructure £200,000 over the next two years.

The department previously said the measures reflected a commitment made by Tynwald in 2023 for all Manx towns and villages to be 20mph (32km/h) zones.

Recently published maps confirmed all residential roads in the latest phase of the scheme would be reduced, with most arterial roads set to remain at 30mph (48km/h).

'Carefully selected'

During the March sitting of Tynwald, Stu Peters MHK said he felt the scheme was "a sledgehammer to crack a nut" as most roads were "already self policing", and called for evidence of how road safety would be improved.

Onchan MHK Rob Callister told members while he partially welcomed the changes, the scheme went "too far" in parts and was "not required in some areas".

In response, Haywood said while she understood the concerns, the scheme primarily aimed to improve the quality of life for residents and "side benefit" was the "road safety impacts".

The affected areas had been "carefully selected" and the approach should also reduce clutter around the zones, she said.

The minister said the department had received a "considerable volume of emails and messages" both in support and against the programme of works.

The comments on the draft Traffic Regulation Order would be reviewed in each location to determine what speed limits will be imposed, she added.