Timetable for 20mph speed limit rollout outlined

Lower speed limits are being rolled out across all residential areas on the Isle of Man

The rollout of lower speed limits in residential areas across the Isle of Man will be completed by the end of 2026, the infrastructure minister has said.

The 20mph (32km/h) zones have already been implemented in Port St Mary, with Douglas and Onchan next scheduled to have them.

Work is due to continue over the summer, with northern towns and villages in line to have lower limits introduced in early 2026.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood said work on other southern areas would then begin in the summer, with the whole island completed by the end of the year.

Costs

Speaking in the House of Keys, Haywood said her department was currently analysing feedback on the changes that have been made so far.

To date, more than 700 responses from residents have been submitted.

Haywood said the overall cost of the project - including all materials and installation - was estimated to be £400,000, spread over three financial years.

The initial scheme in Port St Mary cost £14,000, she explained, adding that forthcoming work in Douglas and Onchan was expected to cost £130,000.

Some of those figures "may change a little" as project managers incorporate feedback from residents, she said.

Douglas Central member Chris Thomas expressed concern that there was a lack of focus from the department on making roads around schools safer.

But Haywood said £40,000 was being spent on school road signage across Port St Mary, Douglas, and Onchan.

"Schools are still very much our focus," she added.