The Infrastructure Minister has confirmed that road‑closure charges are being reviewed to ensure they reflect the true cost of assessing and managing applications.
This includes traffic management, safety checks and coordination with stakeholders.
In a written Tynwald answer, Tim Crookall MHK said the current flat fee of £275, which rose from £150 in 2024, does not distinguish between low‑impact closures and complex events such as motorsport, which require significantly more officer time and statutory scrutiny.
He said proposed increases were based on a “user pays” principle to better reflect resource use and public impact.
Mr Crookall said the draft fees were circulated internally only and have not yet been subject to formal consultation with event organisers. Approval will now be sought in autumn 2026 before engagement begins.
The Department does not hold records before 2023, but income from road‑closure charges was £59,800 in 2025/26, £71,865 in 2024/25 and £37,260 in 2023/24. The figures cover all applications, not just events.
No assessment has yet been made of the potential impact of any fee changes on the visitor economy, with proposals still under consideration.
