The DoI has released an updated timeline for rollout of more 20mph speed limits, with consultations set to begin this spring.
It comes as Minister Dr Michelle Haywood acknowledged issues in the DoI’s handling of the plans.
DoI Minister Dr Michelle Haywood said: “The implementation plan is organised as a timeline for ease of reference. The rows towards the end of the plan indicate the proposed future stages.
“This is a working document and has recently been updated.”
The minister acknowledged challenges in its initial approach, which involved a single Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the entire island.
Too Short
Dr Haywood said: “Although the department originally issued a Traffic Regulation Notice with the statutory notice period for comments and objections, it was clear that trying to consider all the proposed changes simultaneously for the whole island caused confusion and the two-week period for responses was too short.
Furthermore, it is clear that some people found the layers on the Manngis system weren’t easy to navigate. The statutory process wasn’t designed to accommodate changes of this potential magnitude.
To address these issues, the DoI will now adopt a phased consultation process, starting with northern towns and villages this summer.
“The department is intending to consult in stages on the scheme, starting with the towns and villages in the north,” said Dr Haywood.
“For each local consultation, we will produce before and after maps for each location where any changes are proposed. These maps will be shared on our website and put on public display in the nearest suitable location (and in the Sea Terminal).”
Feedback
Each consultation will last at least six weeks, with DoI officials visiting local commissioners to gather feedback. Revised TROs will then be published reflecting community input.
The rollout schedule for 2025-2026 is as follows:
- Spring 2025: Douglas/Onchan consultation (implementation target: Summer 2025).
- Summer 2025: Northern areas (Ramsey, Andreas, Kirk Michael, and surrounding villages) consultation (implementation target: Autumn 2025).
- Autumn 2025: Central regions (Peel, St Johns, Foxdale) consultation (implementation target: Spring 2026).
- Winter 2025: Southern towns (Castletown, Port Erin, Ballasalla) consultation (implementation target: Summer 2026).
Post-implementation monitoring will assess vehicle speeds and road user behaviour, with adjustments made as needed.
Dr Haywood added: “I hope that these changes will allow for sensible and detailed feedback about the Department’s proposals to deliver on the Tynwald 20mph resolution.”
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