Plans to lower some speed limits to 20mph approved

A plan to introduce lower speed limits in some residential areas has been given political backing.

The 20mph (32km/h) zones have already been put in place in Port St Mary, with Douglas and Onchan next scheduled for the changes.

The implementation of the scheme had faced criticism from some politicians, who said there had been a lack of consultation with local representatives.

But Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood said she was committed to an "expanded consultation" period in each area with a minimum of six weeks of local engagement.

That commitment was cemented by an amendment by Ann Corlett, which included local consultation, the prioritisation of the lower speed limit around schools and clearer maps of the plans.

Tynwald members also approved the monitoring of the new speed limits, with a review of the measures being published once implemented.

Haywood previously confirmed the implementation would be phased by region following local consultation.

However Rob Callister MHK said the minister had £400,000 to spend on implementing the zones in the "wrong places".

He said although there were areas in Onchan that "might benefit" from lower speed limits or traffic-calming measures, those changes "should only occur through full engagement with the community, local authorities, and local MHKs.

Julie Edge MHK said there was "still a lot of confusion" about what was going to happen.

But MLC Gary Clueitt said it was an "operational plan" which seemed "reasonable".

Corlett said that the principle of reduced speed limits around schools and in residential areas had been unanimously approved by members twice, but the "difficulty was in the where and the how", which had remained "divisive".

Haywood told Tynwald final decisions would "only be made after local engagement" and mapping had been updated to make the proposals "clearer".

She said the measure would enable residents to "enjoy the streets in which they live more" and reduce the risk of serious pedestrian injury.

The infrastructure department's approach was "proportionate, evidence-led, and reflects the financial and operational realities we face", she added.

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