Local authorities concerned over large vehicle parking ban proposals

Proposals look to ban overnight and weekend parking for large vehicles

A number of local authorities on the Isle of Man have raised concerns about government plans to restrict overnight parking for large vehicles.

Douglas Council said the Department of Infrastructure's (DOI) proposals were submitted without consultation.

In a letter sent to local authorities, the DOI said it aimed to "restrict inappropriate weekend and overnight parking in residential areas".

Council leader Claire Wells said more detail was needed to provide feedback.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Wells said: "We've had parties on both sides, people who are in favour of the changes, people who are not in favour of the changes."

She said the council needed more detail "because it has pretty serious impacts on the whole of Douglas City".

'Inappropriate and disproportionate'

Ms Wells wanted to know what alternatives would be provided for vehicles of more than 6ft (1.87m) high or 18ft (5.5m) long.

"These are the things that I think the DOI need to consider are before they think about changing the regulations at the moment," she added.

In the letter, shown to the BBC, the DOI said it was down to the local authorities to identify the areas where such a ban would apply, "which can range from a blanket exception for the whole authority down to one or two streets".

Commissioners in Garff have responded to the proposals on social media, describing a blanket ban as "inappropriate and disproportionate".

A spokeswoman said: "The board expressed concern that the current proposals would particularly affect those with people carriers and works vans."

The proposals needed "thorough reconsideration and full consultation", she added.

Meanwhile at the local authority in Ramsey, a spokesman said any restrictions were "likely to cause consternation and concern to the vehicle owners".

"The exercise of deciding on the geographical areas around Ramsey where these vehicle may be permitted will require thought, time and robust debate," he added.