Isle of Man Travel, Traffic and Motoring News

Peel silt removal project to provide benefits for uplands

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 13:49:30 GMT

Silt removed from Peel Marina will be used to help restore uplands left damaged following 19^th century mining activity.

Details of the innovative solution are being released today following the submission of a planning application to allow dredged material to be temporarily stored and drained in an engineered and lined pool on the outskirts of the town.

If dredging does not take place, accumulation of the silt threatens the closure of a number of berths within the marina, which was last dredged in 2015.

The project to remove 44,000 tonnes of silt is due to begin next year and will take place in distinct stages.

The first stage will involve a proportion of the material being removed from the marina bed by excavator and transported a short distance by road to the temporary pool constructed in a field upstream, beyond the Power Station site.

The majority of the material will then be pumped along a pipeline back up the River Neb to the pool, which will be around 2.5 metres deep and will measure roughly 70m by 100m. This process will take place in the spring of 2019 and 2020, in order to avoid migrating fish.

The second stage of the project will see the material being temporarily stored in the pool for up 18 months. Excess water will be pumped back to the Marina after satisfying environmental standards agreed with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

The third and final stage of the project will see the dried sediment used to restore contaminated and eroded land next to the former Cross Vein Mine, off the Roundtable Road, near Foxdale.

The sediment from the Marina is significantly less contaminated than the dust found at Cross Vein Mine and DEFA specialists are confident that the material will help reinstate the damaged land as an attractive upland habitat.

A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment will be undertaken and the remediation work will include measures to restrict further sediment loss from the site.

In doing so, this will reduce the amount of material entering the watercourses that flow into the Marina, where it causes significant and costly access restrictions. Reducing sediment flow is also likely to improve salmon and trout breeding locations in the Neb catchment.

A detailed transportation plan will be in place to ensure the safe transfer of materials from Peel to Cross Vein.

Tim Baker MHK, Member for the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Ports and chairman of the Peel Marina Project Board, said:

‘The proposed solution offers significant long-term benefits for both Peel Marina and the uplands. A lot of hard work and creative thinking has gone into getting us to this stage, and building the temporary pool will be the first stage in allowing it to succeed.

‘While the planning application is for five years, the intention is for the pool to be in place for a maximum of three, and the field will be restored after the project is finished.’

He added:

‘As this project takes place, further work will be undertaken to reduce the accumulation of silt and contamination levels in the Neb, with the DoI and DEFA continuing to work closely to ensure the best possible outcome for the environment.

‘It’s important to remember that this project is vital to the ongoing prosperity of Peel, and we are delighted that the solution provides wider environmental benefits.’

The plans will be placed on public display at Peel Town Hall in Derby Road, Monday to Thursday, 17-20 December. They will also be available to view on the planning section of the Isle of Man Government website.

The Peel Marina Project Board is working alongside Manx Utilities to ensure full consideration is given to the Peel Regional Sewage Treatment Strategy in addition to flood risk management in the area.

Summary of responses to sea services survey published

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 09:36:44 GMT

A summary of responses to a survey aimed at informing the development of a new Sea Services Agreement have been published on the Isle of Man Government consultation hub website.

An unprecedented number of people responded to the survey, which took place between 24 September and 7 October 2018. A total of 4,962 were received, including 100 who took part in their capacity as business owners.

The survey was prompted following the Isle of Man Government’s decision to buy the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in May 2018, when Tynwald agreed that a new agreement would be signed between the Department of Infrastructure and IoMSPC.

The information obtained from the responses will now be used to help formulate the new agreement.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘The survey attracted a huge response and I thank everyone who took part for their input. The Island’s sea links are a vital part of life for everyone one of us, so gathering views in this way is crucial in being able to understand what residents and businesses would like to see and how the agreement can succeed in making it happen.’

Find the consultation responses here https://consult.gov.im/infrastructure/ferry-services/

Free disc parking on walkway to support local economy over festive period

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 11:00:00 GMT

Douglas Promenade walkway will open for Christmas parking on Thursday (November 22).

The area between the War Memorial and the Bottleneck car park will become a designated two-hour disc parking zone until Sunday 6 January 2019 to provide additional spaces for shoppers.

Spaces for disabled users have been introduced this year, with a four-hour limit, opposite Howard Street and Regent Street.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘Supporting the local economy is the key factor in allowing parking on the promenade during the festive period. It is the busiest time of the year for many retailers, and it’s important to provide extra spaces.’

Parking will be available from the afternoon to coincide with Thursday evening’s switch-on of the Christmas lights in Douglas and the start of late-night shopping.

Artists invited to submit designs for panels on promenade gateway bollards

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 11:31:19 GMT

Artists are being invited to submit designs to feature on gateway bollards as part of the Douglas Promenade Refurbishment scheme.

The bollards will indicate the entrance points to the low traffic speed area, at the southern end of Loch Promenade and the northern end of Harris Promenade.

Made of granite, they will be 1.4 metres tall and have an embossed Celtic Knot design on the top. Each of the four bollards will feature two side panels, 20cm wide and 80cm tall, which will carry the winning designs.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘With the enabling works now well under way on the promenade, we are seeking designs for these prominent features to be used to display public art. The winning designs will form an important part of this exciting refurbishment project and I encourage as many people as possible to submit their work’.

The project is being supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, with chairman Marlene Hendy MLC and members Dave Armstrong and Phil Chadwick comprising the judging panel.

Emma Callin, Head of the Villa Marina, Gaiety Theatre and Arts, explained:

‘This will be a wonderful opportunity for someone to be part of a lasting legacy for the Isle of Man. There could be up to 8 different designs or 4 pairs of designs that flow and complement each other.’

The artist’s brief can be obtained from https://www.iomarts.com or www.myprom.im

Designs should be submitted no later than 2 January 2019 to the MyProm office on the ground floor, Sea Terminal, Douglas.

For an informal discussion regarding the design competition, contact Jane Corkill at the Arts Council by emailing jane.corkill@gov.im or by calling +44 1624 694598.

The Department of Infrastructure will be responsible for the manufacture, installation and maintenance of both the marker posts and artwork.

On-demand airport minibus service trial to begin

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 16:47:25 GMT

Anyone wishing to travel to Isle of Man Airport from the north of the Island can take advantage of an on-demand minibus service from Monday (October 1).

The flexible return service has been launched as a trial by Bus Vannin, allowing people travelling in the same direction to share the ride and be picked up and dropped off at their homes.

The connectPORTS trial is a development of the pilot patient transfer scheme, which began in July and involves Bus Vannin transporting people in the north to the airport to attend off-Island healthcare appointments.

Jason Moorhouse, Member with responsibility for Public Transport, said:

‘Demand responsive transport is having a real impact in rural areas in the UK and this trial is the latest step in examining how successful it can be on the Island.

‘Its future will depend on how well it is picked up, of course, but the plan is to extend it to other areas in due course.

Bookings can be made by residents who live in the north, including Kirk Michael and Laxey, between 5am and 9.30pm each day, and the bus will wait if your flight arrives late.

A standard flat rate fare of £10 will apply for adults, with children half price and those under two travelling for free. A family ticket for two adults and two children can be bought for £20, with any additional children £5.

Journeys can be booked up to 21 days in advance and up to 4pm on the day prior to departure by calling 697440 (lines open 8.30am to 4.30pm from Monday 1 October). An online booking system is due to be ready in November.

The service is included in the Platinum Go Card package, with a £5 charge for those holding Bus Saver, Go Explore, Go Easy, Silver and Gold/Plus cards.

Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to celebrate new beginnings

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 16:49:16 GMT

A series of special events is planned around the end of the horse tram season this year, to mark the final day of service along the current historical track.

The last day of service will be Sunday 21 October, the season closing slightly earlier than usual to allow work to start on the Douglas Promenade Refurbishment programme.

Events will include:

Double deck tramcar No. 18 will be taken on two return trips pulled by a pair of horses at 10.15am and 11.15am.
Volunteers will offer tours of the stables to meet the tram horses, known as trammers, up close and see what the future holds for Douglas Bay Horse Tramway. Stables open 10am-2pm, with guided tours at 11.30am and 1.30pm.
All 20 Clydesdale and Shire heavy draught horses will come together for a photo opportunity at Derby Castle at 2.15pm. This will lead into a cavalcade of trams and horses with lead volunteer Stuart Mullan providing an account of each horse and tram as they depart Derby Castle.
The historic last tram service, using Tram 18 with one horse, will depart at 5.30pm. This service will require a premium ticket of £10 per passenger and a commemorative certificate will be issued to each passenger. Go Cards will not be accepted on this service.

Jason Moorhouse MHK , Member with responsibility for Public Transport, said:

‘These are a remarkable series of events which will end the season in spectacular style. In 2019 the horse trams will be back to continue the success and providing trips along the Prom. Thank you to both locals and tourists who take the time to enjoy the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.’

Ian Longworth, Director of Transport Services, said:

‘We have had an excellent season on Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, and after the 21st October all of our trammers will have a well-earned break over the winter.'

Help shape the new Sea Services Agreement by taking part in survey

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 11:52:32 GMT

Residents and businesses can contribute to the future of the Island’s ferry services following the launch of an online survey on Monday (24 September 2018).

Contributions will help inform the development of a new Sea Services Agreement, to replace the current User Agreement, and define the services and standards which need to be delivered by a ferry service provider in exchange for the exclusive use of the link-span.

Since its introduction in 1995, the User Agreement and its subsequent extensions have provided the benefit of special offer fares, reduced the frequency of delays in the delivery of commodity cargos and specified requirements for the provision of new vessels.

On approving the Isle of Man Government’s decision to buy the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IoMSPC) in May 2018, Tynwald agreed that a new agreement would be signed between the Department of Infrastructure and IoMSPC.

The negotiation of a new agreement provides an opportunity to re-define what the Island requires from its future services to ensure they meet the Island’s anticipated social and economic requirements.

The online survey is designed to build on information gathered at workshops held recently with key stakeholders and provide additional feedback to support the development of a new agreement.

Tim Baker MHK, Member for Ports, said:

‘Developing a new Sea Services Agreement presents the opportunity to think about what local residents and businesses want and need from our maritime links.

‘As Island residents we know the importance of having robust provision to ensure goods and supplies can be transported all year round. And we also understand the need to have reliable and effective routes for tourism in both directions.

‘How these can be protected and improved are often the subject of much debate and this survey offers the chance to record your views. It will be open for just two weeks, so please take the opportunity to have your say.’

The online survey is split into three parts, with separate sections for individual passengers, an employer or business in the freight/shipping sector and an employer or business owner in the tourism sector. Each part covers multiple choice options under Sea Services, Customer Services and Additional Services, with the opportunity to provide more detailed observations towards the end.

The survey can be found by visiting the Isle of Man Government’s online consultation hub at https://consult.gov.im/

For those unable to access the consultation hub, a paper version of the survey can be requested by emailing mary.hall@gov.im, phoning +44 1624 686613 or by calling into the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

The process will run for 2 weeks, finishing on 7 October 2018.

The current User Agreement and its extensions can be found on the Strategic Sea Services section of the Department’s website.

Mountain Road closure to allow essential maintenance

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 13:10:36 GMT

The Mountain Road will close for five days next week to allow essential maintenance work to take place on two collapsed culverts.

The Department for Enterprise will also be using the opportunity to remove Mountain Course furniture following the Festival of Motorcycling last month.

The closure will run from 9.30am on Monday 17 September until 6pm on Friday 21 September and will affect the route between Lheaney Road in Ramsey and Creg-ny-Baa Back Road in Onchan.

Parking will be suspended through Laxey 8am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm each day during the closure to help the flow of commuter traffic.

Access to properties will be maintained.

Workshops will inform new Sea Services Agreement

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 13:15:45 GMT

The views of business leaders and passengers are being sought to help inform the development of a new Sea Services Agreement (SSA) for the Isle of Man.

The Department of Infrastructure is hosting a series of stakeholder workshops beginning early in September.

The targeted programme of engagement follows the Isle of Man Government’s purchase of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IoMSPC) in May. Approving the deal, Tynwald Members agreed that a new SSA should be signed within 12 months, to replace the existing User Agreement.

The workshops are designed to ensure full and proper consideration of the implications for the IoMSPC, and the people of the Isle of Man, in meeting the demand for freight and passenger services.

Invited representatives from businesses across the various economic sectors will explore a range of key issues relating to service patterns, service levels and freight and passenger customer service.

The information gathered at the workshops will be used to determine the social and economic priorities around sea services and inform the development of the new SSA.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘Gaining a comprehensive picture of what the Island wants and needs from its sea services is crucial in understanding how the new Sea Services Agreement should look. Representatives from a broad range of backgrounds will be consulted and their views will be considered as part of the public engagement process.’

The next step will be to survey key users over two weeks at the end of September. Particular attention will be paid to passengers, freight operators, wholesalers, retailers and those supporting the visitor economy.

Return bus tickets no longer valid after 31 August 2018

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 10:46:08 GMT

Return bus tickets will no longer be sold or accepted on anybus vannin routes after 31 August 2018.

Passengers will be able to purchase point-to-point single tickets on board through contactless payments or cash, and use the popular Go card scheme. Significant discounts are available to customers who purchase either 6 or 12 journeys on the Go Places card, for example.

For all travel fare details, visit www.bus.im, speak to any bus driver, contact the Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre on 662525 or email publictransport@gov.im

British Airways new agreement with Loganair to operate Isle of Man London City service

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 17:18:40 GMT

British Airways flights from the Isle of Man will be operated by partner airline Loganair from this autumn.

The airline has signed a new lease agreement with Loganair to operate the important airlink between the Isle of Man and London City from September 1 this year when the current agreement with Eastern Airways comes to an end.

British Airways is leasing a Saab 2000 aircraft from Loganair, who currently operate as a codeshare partner on the airline’s Highlands and Islands services in Scotland.

Luke Hayhoe, British Airways’ general manager commercial and customer, said:

‘We’re delighted to enter into a partnership with Loganair, the two companies have had a business relationship for over quarter of a century.

'The new lease agreement will ensure customers in the Isle of Man have a punctual and reliable service to London City Airport on three daily services, with onward connections to 31 destinations operated by British Airways direct from the Docklands airport.'

Loganair managing director, Jonathan Hinkles said:

'We’re very much looking forward to expanding our partnership with British Airways through this new arrangement to operate the Isle of Man’s flagship service to London City. I’m also pleased that Loganair will continue to support important jobs in the community through the local employment of pilots and cabin crew in the Isle of Man to fly the route.'

Sea Terminal car park to be redesigned and resurfaced

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:48:10 GMT

The main car park at the front of the Sea Terminal in Douglas is to be redesigned and resurfaced in a project due to begin in early September.

The scheme aims to create a safer route for passengers walking between the Sea Terminal and Peveril Square by installing a new footway from the front doors of the building to the pelican crossing.

The new design will feature 38 car park spaces, the same number as the existing car park, plus four electric vehicle charging points. The existing taxi rank and passenger drop-off area will also be accommodated.

Preparatory works will begin in mid-August when the lines in the car park are removed using a machine on hire from off-Island while it is here to support the surface dressing programme currently taking place around the Island.

The car park will remain without lines for around three weeks until the main project gets underway immediately after the Festival of Motorcycling. Normal disc-zone restrictions will apply during this period and motorists are requested to park their vehicles responsibly.

European Union (Maldives Sanctions) Order 2018 and Maldives Sanctions Regulations 2018

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 14:18:44 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise a new sanctions regime in respect of the Maldives.

On 16 July 2018, the Council of the European Union adopted Council Regulation (EU) 2018/1001 imposing restrictive measures against persons and entities responsible for undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution in the Maldives, as well as persons and entities responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses.

The European Union (Maldives Sanctions) Order 2018 which comes into operation today applies the EU instrument to the Island with certain modifications. The Maldives Sanctions Regulations 2018 also coming into operation today, establish the penalties for offences in relation to the EU Regulation and provide that the Treasury may issues licences to authorise certain activities permitted under the EU Regulation.

To date, no individuals or entities have been included in Annex I of the Regulation.

Details of the sanctions regime are contained in Sanctions Notice 48.

Zip Trip app to improve service for bus passengers

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 15:01:13 GMT

An app developed by Ticketer in collaboration with Bus Vannin is set to transform the way people get around the Island by bus.

Zip Trip provides a range of features designed to make it easier for customers to get to their destinations, including detailed route information, live departure times and how to find your nearest bus stop.

Jason Moorhouse MHK, Member with responsibility for Public Transport, said:

‘Zip Trip is a great tool for our passengers and caters for a range of customer needs. Tourists, for example, who may not know exactly where they are, will be able to use the free bus wifi and track themselves on the map. And commuters who have had a long day at work and fancy a little nap on the way home can set an alert to make sure they don’t sleep past their stop.’

Ian Longworth, Director of Transport Services, said:

‘We have had an exciting year so far, with the introduction of Traveline journey planner, then contactless payment on buses and now Zip Trip. A future development is set to include ticket sales available through Zip Trip – and reinforces how we continue to put customers’ needs first.’

Zip Trip can be downloaded on all Apple's App Store or via Google Play.

For further information, contact the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas by calling +44 1624 662525 or get in touch with Isle of Man Transport on facebook.com/IoMTransport or Twitter @iombusandrail

Patient Transfer pilot scheme to be undertaken in collaboration with Bus Vannin

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 16:29:36 GMT

The Patient Transfer Office at Noble’s Hospital is piloting a new service in conjunction with Bus Vannin for people who need to travel off-Island for a healthcare appointment.

From Monday 30 July, patients who live in the north of the Island and currently have their on-Island travel funded by the Department of Health and Social Care will be picked up at home and taken to Isle of Man Airport or the Sea Terminal in Douglas by Bus Vannin.

The return minibus service will start at 5am each day and enable patients on the earliest departures to arrive in plenty of time to catch their flight or sailing.

If the pilot proves successful, the service will be extended to all patients, and their travelling companions, across the Island in September.

For further information, contact the Patient Transfer Office at Noble’s Hospital by emailing patient.transfers@gov.im

Celebration of our Island’s Heritage Transport with action-packed five-day Festival

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 16:06:11 GMT

Isle of Man Railways are busy finalising the last details of preparation for an exciting programme of events in this year’s Manx Heritage Transport Festival.

The festival promises to be the best year yet which starts next week and runs from the 25 to 29 July. Government employees together with volunteers have worked together to put on this busy calendar of events.

Events Co-ordinator Anji Street said:

‘Last year’s Manx Heritage Transport Festival was a great success and this year is set to be better yet!’

‘We have pulled out all the stops in order to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the last train on the northern line. To mark the occasion, a locomotive and foxdale carriage will be position on the old track outside the original Manx Northern Station Building at Kirk Michael. This will be available to view all day on the 25 July 2018. This will be the first time since the closure of the line in 1968 that a locomotive has visited the station! So it’s a great photo opportunity’.

But that’s not all, Isle of Man Transport have another 32 events packed into the 5 days. These include Vintage Bus Tours and running days, Free guided walks, illustrated talks and social evening, photograph tours to name just a few.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway will also feature enhanced services during the weekend. With an open afternoon on Saturday 28 July, giving an opportunity to meet the trammers in their stables at Summer Hill followed by an opportunity to ride the Broadway lights to the Victoria Pier on a parallel run at 4pm.

Further information on all the events can be found in the Manx Heritage Transport Festival leaflet.

available from www.rail.im or from the Welcome Centre, Derby Castle booking office and main stations.

There are restricted places on some special services so early booking is advised. Go cards are valid for travel on scheduled services.

Stamps Celebrating Manx Electric Railway 125th Anniversary

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:27:24 GMT

In celebration of the Manx Electric Railway’s 125^th Anniversary this September, Isle of Man Transport has teamed up with Isle of Man Post Office to commission a set of six stamps featuring photographs from competition winners, which will be issued on Saturday 30 June 2018.

In August 2017, a competition was launched to find extraordinary images from Manx Electric Railway enthusiasts to help support the 125^thAnniversary of the heritage service.

Isle of Man Post office staff were overwhelmed by the quality of entries and four winners will have their photographs appear on the stamp collection. Runners-up photographs will be used on additional products that complete the collection, including a presentation pack, prestige booklet, decorative sheet and First Day Cover.

Competition winner Richard Pryke said:

‘It’s a great honour to be part of such a celebration and fantastic to see my image of this iconic Railway on a stamp. I am looking forward to becoming further involved in the Manx Electric Railway’s anniversary events’.

This stamp collection forms part of the celebrations of the landmark anniversary, which includes a festival organised by the Department of Transport from 1 – 8 September 2018.

Ian Longworth, Director of Isle of Man Transport, commented:

‘We are incredibly proud that the Isle of Man is home to rolling stock that features in the Guinness Book of Records for having the oldest trams in the world still operating on its original system. It’s great to see everyone embracing the anniversary and September promises to be a fantastic week of celebrations - I hope Island residents as well as tourists will enjoy the festival.’

Maxine Cannon, General Manager for Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said:

‘We have partnered with Isle of Man Transport on a number of their significant anniversaries, but the fact that these stamps feature images from Manx Electric Railway enthusiasts makes these very special. We are also particularly pleased that over the coming months these stamps will also be dispensed from our kiosks and counter network, replacing the current triskelion design’.

Keep up to date on all Manx Electric Railways celebrations and tickets by visiting www.rail.im or Isle of Man Transport Facebook and Twitter pages.

The stamp collection is available to pre-order now from www.iompost.com/MER125.

Record TT passenger figures for Isle of Man Transport

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 15:48:30 GMT

A total of 234,418 journeys were taken by passengers between Friday 25 May and Sunday 10 June, representing an increase of 22,968 journeys compared with the corresponding period last year.

Passenger figures across the Isle of Man’s heritage transport attractions were also exceptional during the TT fortnight with a combined total of 52,617 journeys taken on the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas Bay Horse Trams and Steam Railway.

Transport	Passengers 2018	Passengers 2017	% Increase
bus vannin	234,418	211,450	11%
Manx Electric Railway	18,939	14,096	34%
Snaefell Mountain Railway	16,454	10,191	61%
Douglas Bay Horse Trams	8,739	7,202	21%
Steam Railway	8,485	7,980	6%
TOTAL	287,035	250,919	14%

The busiest day during TT 2018 was Tuesday 5 June when nearly 26,500 customers travelled by bus and rail. The combined revenue for Isle of Man Transport during the fortnight was £590,378.

Ian Longworth, Director of Isle of Man Transport, said:

‘What a fantastic 2018 TT. I believe the main reasons for our success this year has been the extra promotion of our unlimited travel Go Cards, the launch of contactless payments on buses and the simple online journey planner Traveline - all this sprinkled with great weather.

‘I personally would like to thank all employees of Isle of Man Transport for the hard work, commitment and extra hours they put in over the TT period.’

Jason Moorhouse, Member with political responsibility for Public Transport, said:

‘This is another quite outstanding set of passenger figures for Isle of Man Transport.

‘Over the TT period a special timetable is put in place to meet the additional demand, including more frequent services and stops at popular campsites. Each year the department looks at ways to improve customer satisfaction, services and capacity. I know they are already working on 2019.’

Bus Vannin to provide flexible patient transport service

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 14:20:48 GMT

A new mini-bus service offering Island patients convenient transport between home and hospital will take to the roads from 1 July.

The contract for Patient Transport Services (PTS) has been awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care to Bus Vannin following a full tender process. The service had previously been provided by the Red Cross, and the Department has thanked the organisation, its staff and volunteers for their commitment over the past 10 years.

Bus Vannin currently operates a network of minibuses across the Island serving DHSC day centres and other facilities, and the patient transport service will become part of this operation. It is designed to offer more flexible pick-up times from home or the hospital, with less waiting around.

Patients will travel in Bus Vannin's new Mercedes Sprinter vehicles, equipped with wheelchair lifts and seats recommended by the charity Arthritis UK, designed to offer optimal comfort for patients who suffer from the condition.

In addition, Bus Vannin drivers have received specialist training to ensure they are up to date with current moving and handling procedures as well as first aid. The operator already provides transport for patients undergoing renal dialysis.

DHSC Minister David Ashford MHK said:

'It was time to have a fresh look at our patient transport. The Red Cross has done an excellent job over the past decade, and our decision to award the contract to Bus Vannin doesn't reflect any dissatisfaction. But I see a really positive opportunity to tap into the minibus service which Bus Vannin already operates and integrate these journeys between home and our hospitals.

'Instead of set pick-up times, the new operation will be more flexible in responding to individual needs – which means patients won't have to wait too long after being dropped off at the hospital for their appointments, or afterwards to go home.

He added:

'The drivers understand how to assist patients and ensure their journeys are as comfortable as possible – their training has been a priority. Patients shouldn't see any change in the way they are met and assisted by staff when the new contract begins on 1 July. We are working with the Department of Infrastructure to provide this essential service – it's a joined-up approach which I'm confident will serve us well.'

Bookings for the new service will be taken by a team at Noble's Hospital while journey schedulers at Bus Vannin will plan routes and pick-up times using a specialist software system.

Pack with care and be prepared for airport security

Wed, 30 May 2018 07:56:42 GMT

Passengers travelling through Isle of Man Airport are being urged to check the guidance on hand luggage and help keep security screening queues to a minimum both on and off-Island.

The following advice has been issued ahead of the bank holiday weekend, TT fortnight and busy summer season in support of guidance issued by the UK Department for Transport.

Carefully packing bags at home and carrying only essential items in hand luggage can help reduce the need for lengthy manual checks at security.

Passengers are reminded that when flying from IoM and UK airports:

Liquids, gels and pastes should be packed into hold baggage where possible. If carried in hand luggage, they should be in containers that hold 100ml or less, and packed into a sealed, clear plastic bag (maximum 1 litre capacity) which must be placed in the tray at security
Food or powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible. Although these items are permitted in hand luggage, they can obstruct images on the X-Ray machine, or may be mistaken for suspicious items – so putting them in the hold will help reduce the need for additional checks. Passengers who need to take these items on board should therefore allow extra time at security
Sharp items and tools cannot be carried in hand luggage at all.
Large electrical items such as laptops or tablets can be taken into the cabin, but must be removed from hand luggage at the search area and placed in the tray

Items that cannot be identified by the screening officers may be subject to further checks and in some cases may be rejected for travel. The full guidance, including a useful video guide is available.

Tim Baker, Member with responsibility for Ports, said:

‘This guidance not only helps ease queues at security, it can ensure your journey is a lot more straightforward and enjoyable.

‘We are all aware why the checks must take place, but sometimes it’s good to refresh people’s memories on exactly what is required of them when they arrive at an airport.

‘Please take the time to consider whether you’re correctly prepared and able to play your part in making the process as smooth as possible.’

A scheme aimed at improving the flow of passengers at Isle of Man Airport by creating an enlarged central search area is now well under way. The new entrance will be made operational after TT fortnight and new tray return equipment is scheduled to be ready for use by passengers towards the end of July. A second security line will open permanently from late-July, once the recruitment and training of staff is complete.