Last chance to have say on safer routes scheme

People have a final day to have their say on proposals to roll out traffic calming measures through the streets of the the Isle of Man's ancient capital.

The Living Streets initiative covers an area in Castletown from Victoria Road in the direction of Castle Rushen High School, including the main shopping district.

The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) said the scheme was aimed at improving the "general environment" and accessibility within residential areas in the town.

A consultation calling for views on how safe pedestrians and cyclists feel moving through the zone and the "walkability" of the area is set to close later.

The survey canvases methods of transport used by residents, recommendations on any changes to improve safety in the area, and opinions on how courteous drivers were, including considerate parking.

Suggestions for changes include making some streets one-way, slowing down the traffic moving within the area, reducing traffic using the area as a shortcut, and on-road parking improvements.

The department said it was asking for opinions as part of a process that aims to create streets and places that were "easy to move around" and were "safe and community-based".

The feedback was essential "in drafting a design which we hope will address, wherever possible, the needs of the community", it added.

Castletown Commissioners have also encouraged residents to leave their comments as it said the DOI had "stated that they are unable to consider amendments to traffic regulation orders, such as parking regulations or speed limits, in isolation".

The local authority has previously applied to permanently ban vehicles from the Market Square in the town's centre, but the infrastructure minister Michelle Haywood said further engagement needed to take place before a decision could be made.

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