Pressure on Douglas harbour is increasing, with limited space for freight trailers causing congestion and delays, Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall has admitted.
Responding to a question in Tynwald from Julie Edge, Mr Crookall said freight services through Douglas harbour are a “vital part of the Island’s supply chain” but that the port is “physically constrained”.
He told members: “When capacity tightens, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company prioritises full price freight with commodity freight shipped as space becomes available.”
Too Big?
Mr Crookall admitted the arrival of the new Manxman vessel has exacerbated the problem.
He said: “We have to remember, we’ve actually got a new boat in that takes more haulage, more wagons and stuff than we had before and we haven’t got the space.
“We’ve got more space on the boat, but not on the Circus Beach to deal with this.”
Mrs Edge raised “increasing concern within our business communities” including food, post office, and farming freight, warning that the port is “closing more often than it can be open”.
After a question from his predecessor Dr Michelle Haywood on overstaying vehicles, Mr Crookall said hauliers are “in breach of their own licence” and warned: “We don’t want to start charging them, but we’re going to have to.”
He said that in some cases hauliers are leaving wagons all weekend, taking up much needed space.
Plans to use the Parade Street site adjacent to the port have no come forward despite Manx Development Corporation not coming forward with its multi-storey car park idea.