The rollout of 20mph residential speed limits is due to cost £400,000 over three years.
Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood confirmed the budget, which covers signage and installation in Keys.
Dr Haywood told members: “The overall project cost for the rollout of the 20mph residential speed limits, as currently proposed, is estimated to be around £400,000, spent over three financial years.”
The initial trial in Port St Mary cost £14,000, while the Douglas and Onchan schemes are projected at £130,000 combined. Detailed costs include £40,000 for school signs, £22,000 for general signage, and £80,000 for installation.
The minister clarified that the earlier £200,000 estimate reported in the media only applied to Douglas and Onchan.
She addded: “These figures may change a little as we incorporate feedback from residents.”
The remaining island-wide rollout is expected to cost £250,000, with £200,000 allocated to installation.
Priority
Chris Thomas (Douglas Central) questioned whether schools remained the priority, citing delays: “When did schools and fixing all the schools issues not become the priority for the last couple of years?”
However, Dr Haywood reminded members that “the very first part of the [Tynwald] resolution was about establishing 20mph around schools to protect vulnerable road users”.
Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson told members that the term “all-island” was misleading, as the scheme focuses on specific areas, which Dr Haywood agreed with, stating that the DoI’s plans are “very targeted”
“We set criteria to protect vulnerable road users and improve residents’ quality of life,” she said.
Dr Haywood responded to a question from Kate Lord-Brennan to explain that the part of the scheme is focussing on adding 20mph limits and signs to any schools that don’t currently have one or the other around them.
Mr Thomas later highlighted inconsistencies in the project’s description, referencing a departmental email that labelled it “the all-island 20mph residential speed limit project.”
Dr Haywood acknowledged the wording but reiterated its targeted scope.
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