The Chief Constable has raised concerns over the proposed introduction of widespread 20mph speed limits, citing a lack of evidence that the change would reduce serious road casualties.
The response comes as part of a formal consultation on the Proposed Isle of Man (Speed Limits) Order 2025, released following an FoI request from Manx.News.
In a letter dated March 21 2025, Russ Foster highlighted data showing that excessive speed contributed to 118 road casualties between January 2019 and March 2025—none of which involved pedestrians.
Of these, only 17 occurred on 30mph roads, compared to 89 on unrestricted roads.
In view of the aforementioned information, I would not be supportive of the DoI imposing 20mph speed limits on restricted roads per se, except for where there are particular hazards such as the area of a school.
Chief Constable Russ Foster
Impact
Mr Foster added: “I would conclude that the statistical evidence provided does not demonstrate that a reduction of speed limits on 30 mph restricted roads, would have any impact upon reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads which is certainly the key priority and consideration for the IOMC.
“In view of the aforementioned information, I would not be supportive of the DoI imposing 20mph speed limits on restricted roads per se, except for where there are particular hazards such as the area of a school.”
He emphasised that the Constabulary’s priority is targeting high-risk areas, such as near schools, rather than blanket reductions.
The Chief Constable also noted the potential wider impacts.
A balance needs to be drawn in respect of imposing 20 mph restrictions between casualty reduction and the wider adverse impact on the public in the form of travel times and public transport schedules, whilst also being cognisant of wider environmental issues.
Chief Constable Russ Foster
While the police confirmed they would enforce any new legislation, Mr Foster stressed operational independence, saying enforcement would remain “based on a threat and risk basis,” factoring in collision rates and vulnerable road users.
The Department of Infrastructure sought police support for the Order, which was advertised in March.
Sergeant Lee Wright clarified that enforcement would mirror existing practices, focusing on “the number and seriousness of accidents on a particular stretch of road.”
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