Isle of Man Travel, Traffic and Motoring News

Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to identify motorists failing to pay vehicle duty

Wed, 22 May 2019 14:46:31 GMT

Roadside cameras will be used from this week in a bid to identify and prosecute motorists who fail to pay vehicle duty, commonly known as road tax.

The use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will be launched across the Island at a range of locations.

Staff from the Department of Infrastructure will be visible at the roadside with cameras which capture a vehicle’s registration number and check to see if the appropriate tax has been paid.

A robust approach will be taken against owners of vehicles found to be untaxed or unregistered. The maximum fine for driving a vehicle without vehicle duty is £2,000.

The use of ANPR will also allow the Department of Infrastructure to start modernising its vehicle and driver licensing services in line with a commitment contained in the Programme for Government to transform the delivery of services through the use of technology.

This will eventually lead to tax discs being withdrawn, as they were in the UK in October 2014. Combined with other modifications to the vehicle and driver administration processes, this will result in a reduction in administration costs that will allow more money to be spent on the Island’s highway network.

Vehicles brought in from the UK must be registered as soon as they arrive in the Island to ensure they pay vehicle duty. If the vehicle is over three years old a test is required before it can be registered - a test booking must be made as soon as the vehicle arrives on Manx roads to avoid prosecution and a fine.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘The vast majority of people settle what is due on time and expect strong action to be taken against anyone who attempts to avoid paying. The use of this technology is well established and will be used to ensure Manx roads are correctly funded by those who use them.

He added:

‘As well as being an offence, the message we want to get across is that failing to pay your fair share is socially unacceptable.’

Vehicle duty – what does it pay for?

Pothole repairs
Road design, procurement and reconstruction
Footway design - procurement, construction and repairs
Road resurfacing – design, procurement and delivery
Highway drainage, installation, maintenance, repair and maintenance
Repair and upkeep of railings, bollards, posts, signs, traffic lights and pelican crossings
Painting of zebra crossings, white/yellow lines and road junctions
Bridges - design, procurement, inspection, repair, maintenance and replacement
Hedge and grass cutting, road sweeping and gully clearing
Customer service and records management
Road safety investigation, design and implementation
Pedestrian safety management and improvement
Cycleway design and cycle infrastructure implementation, maintenance, inspection and design
Management of severe weather events, including removing fallen trees, gritting, snow clearing, flood management, etc
TT Mountain Course – one-way implementation
Support and legislative administration for events, including motorsports, fairs, carnivals, parades, soapbox derbies, etc
Country footpath design, inspection, maintenance and repair; footpath bridge repair, replacement, inspection and repair; cutting back vegetation
Day-to-day network management of those working in the road, eg, telecoms, gas, electric
Management of roads and footpaths on new housing developments, including financial administration, technical management and quality control prior to adoption
Management of highway and vehicle legislation
Administration of vehicle and driver licencing, including negotiations with administration bodies in other countries
Issuing international permits and authorisations
Strategic planning and policy development

For assistance, call the Highways team 850000. For non-urgent issues, email enquiries@highways.gov.im or use www.reportaproblem.im

What's happening over TT

Fri, 17 May 2019 16:25:04 GMT

The Isle of Man Government has invested £25 million in improving Douglas Promenade. The project will completely transform the area for generations to come. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this first long phase - fencing is coming down along Queen's Promenade with ease of access to businesses for pedestrians. Additional parking will become available on Strathallan walkway, Summerland, Castle Mona Arcade and at the Castle Mona Hotel. Thank you to the Tevir Group for their support with these additional spaces for drop off and pick up for the businesses at the Castle Mona Arcade.

We appreciate that parking on the walkway is not ideal but these temporary spaces are to support all the businesses impacted by the works.

During the TT all major works will stop so that the promenade can be used with as little disruption as possible. Parking will be very different this year and the horse trams will also operate a much shorter route. Please note all businesses remain open as usual. The attached traffic management plan outlines each area. In extenuating circumstances, if there is an emergency and the traffic is delayed, the walkway will be used between Mona Drive and King Edward Road - for details of this emergency route only please click here.

Please note there is a strict 20mph speed limit along the entire promenade, with a 10mph limit on the walkway.

Starting at the Sea Terminal end of the promenade:

Loch Promenade: Mainly clear with the exception of some minor barriers

Harris Promenade: The area outside the Sefton Hotel will remain zoned off but will accommodate some motorbike parking and allow access to the crossing point. All other areas clear - please click this drawing for all the details.

Central Promenade: 400 metres of fencing will remain between Castle Drive and Switzerland Road. No waiting or stopping is permitted on the highway or footpath.

Queen’s Promenade: The horse trams will run - please visit www.rail.im or all the details. No waiting or stopping is permitted on the walkway or highway. There will be some motorbike parking in this area in the designated grass area which will be signposted.

For TT events on Douglas Promenade such as the sand racing or Red Arrows display, please use the Summerland, the Bottleneck or Chester Street car parks. The TT funfair will be present on the Loch Promenade walkway so parking will be suspended from Friday 24 May - re-starting on Tuesday 11 June from noon.

The MyProm shuttle bus will pause for TT re-commencing on Monday 10 June 2019.

We realise TT will be busy and there have been lots of changes along Douglas Promenade during these works and thank you for your cooperation. Should you have any queries please call 686363 or email mailto:myprom@gov.im. The public office is open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.

TT road safety campaign reminds road users to stay safe

Wed, 15 May 2019 17:25:03 GMT

A campaign to ensure the Island’s roads are safe prior to and during TT fortnight has been launched by the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Following on from previous years, ‘Keep Calm and Slow Down’, ‘Keep Calm and Ride Safe’ and ‘Keep Calm and Drive Sober’ will remain the core messages of the TT road safety campaign, urging road users to stay safe on the Island’s roads.

The 2019 TT road safety campaign was launched today (Wednesday 15 May) by the Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK and Superintendent for Operational Policing, Steve Maddocks, at the Grandstand.

Superintendent Steve Maddocks, said:

‘The safety of visitors and residents is a priority for the police force and we will be promoting the road safety campaign to both visitors and residents. Officers will be patrolling on the roads and on foot throughout the TT and at the many events taking place across the fortnight. The TT is a busy period for the constabulary and we look forward to welcoming the many thousands of visitors who will be arriving imminently and playing our part in ensuring the Isle of Man’s roads are safe.’

Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey MHK, said:

‘The TT attracts large numbers of visitors which naturally make our roads much busier across the fortnight. Keeping calm on the roads during this time is important and I would encourage both visitors and residents to be alert to this. Our emergency services see extra demand during this time we want to ensure that this year’s TT is as safe and enjoyable as possible.’

In partnership with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the campaign will once again be promoted to visitors travelling to the Island by ferry.

Information highlighting the campaign’s core messages include multi-lingual materials to support the safety of visitors during their stay.

Throughout the fortnight, the road safety team will be visiting the Grandstand, Ramsey Sprint, Peel Day, Braddan Church and Castletown.

The Mountain Road’s one-way system will be in place from 4.30pm on Friday 24 May for the entire fortnight.

The Isle of Man Constabulary social media channel @TweetbeatIOM will update Twitter followers with the latest road information throughout TT.

The first practice session of the 2019 Isle of Man TT is scheduled to take place from 6pm on Saturday 25 May.

New bus timetable comes into operation on Monday 22 April

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 14:34:46 GMT

A new bus timetable will come into operation on Monday 22 April containing a number of changes designed to improve the way people can move around the Island.

The route between Douglas and the south will increase in frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes.

This improvement will mean buses will serve Douglas promenade every 15 minutes with links in both directions - to Governors Hill every 30 minutes, and Noble’s Hospital, Birch Hill, and Ballachrink hourly.

An extra late evening bus will be provided on Fridays and Saturdays, departing Douglas for Port Erin at 10.40pm and travelling in the opposite direction at 11.39pm.

The route 5 daytime services linking Ramsey with Peel and Douglas will run five minutes earlier in order to improve reliability.

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

‘The south services will see a positive change and supports demand for the route, which has increased over the past 12 months.

‘The north will also see benefits through the expansion of the connectVILLAGES demand responsive service to cover Ramsey and Jurby, after the successful roll-out to Andreas and Bride. The new service will allow people in Ramsey to book a bus to get around the town, and Jurby residents to travel anywhere around Ramsey, Bride and Andreas at a time that suits them.’

New timetables are available to view on www.bus.im with printed booklets available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, or by calling 662525. Alternatively, use the Simply Go Journey Planner at www.traveline.info

Bookings for connectVILLAGES can be made online at www.bus.im/connect or by calling 697440. Standard fares apply for the service, which runs Monday-Saturday, 9am to 7pm.

For further information, contact bus vannin on 662525 or email publictransport@gov.im

Timetable alterations in detail

DOUGLAS – SOUTH – DOUGLAS SERVICES 1/2/2A/10/11/12/12A

Increase in frequency Monday-Saturday between Port Erin and Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, to every 15 minutes (was every 20 minutes) between 0700 to 1830 when operating Douglas – Port Erin and 0800 to 1800 operating Port Erin to Douglas.
Increased frequency of this service means buses will serve the promenade every 15 minutes, with links in both directions to Governors Hill (every 30 minutes) Noble’s Hospital (hourly), Birch Hill (hourly) and Ballachrink (hourly).
Heading south after Castletown, half the buses will go via Colby and the other half via Shore Road, Gansey. This will create services every 30 minutes covering Colby - Port Erin - Port St Mary (both ways) and Shore Road, Gansey - Port St Mary – Port Erin (both ways).
There is an extra night bus on Fridays and Saturdays: depart Douglas at 2240 to Port Erin and 2339 back to Douglas.
Service 10 journeys departing Port Erin to Noble’s Hospital renumbered to Service 1H until Loch Promenade.
Extra early morning journeys on Sundays will serve Isle of Man Airport.

DOUGLAS – ONCHAN – LAXEY – RAMSEY SERVICE 3/3A

Daytime 30-minute frequency introduced on Sundays during the summer peak period (was hourly) between 26 May and 27 October.
Removal of Broadway on two journeys Mondays to Saturdays due to the Douglas Promenade works and to regularise the route.

PEEL- ST JOHNS - FOXDALE- BUSINESS PARK - DOUGLAS SERVICE 4

Additional Mondays to Fridays journey introduced at 1807 from Peel via Foxdale to Douglas.

DOUGLAS – FOXDALE – SLOC – PORT ERIN SERVICE 4R

PEEL– ST JOHN – FOXDALE – AIRPORT – CASTLETOWN SERVICE 8

PEEL– NIARBYL – SLOC – PORT ERIN 8R

Operation of these summer season Sundays journeys extended from 1 September until 27 October.

RAMSEY - KIRK MICHAEL- PEEL- ST JOHNS - HOSPITAL - DOUGLAS SERVICE 5

Daytime Mondays to Sundays journeys from Ramsey via Peel to Douglas retimed to depart 5 minutes past the hour (currently 10 minutes past the hour).

DOUGLAS- CROSBY – ST JOHNS – PEEL – KIRK MICHAEL – RAMSEY SERVICE 5A

The 1722 service will now terminate in Peel at Ballawattleworth and not continue on to Ramsey. The 1737 6C will continue to Ramsey.

RAMSEY- JURBY-RAMSEY SERVICES 19/19C

Some daytime Mondays to Saturdays Service 19/19C journeys to Jurby will be replaced by on-demand bus service connectVILLAGES. Peak time services will still be maintained.

RAMSEY BUS STATION – ORMLY ESTATE- THORNHILL- RAMSEY BUS STATION SERIVCE OT

RAMSEY BUS STATION –CLAUGHBANE-LEZAYRE-MARKET PLACE- RAMSEY BUS STATION SERVICE CL

Both the CL and OT service will cease operation and be replaced by on-demand bus service connectVILLAGES.

DOUGLAS – ANAGH COAR – BUSINESS PARK – FARMHILL- ANAGH COAR- DOUGLAS SERVICE 21B

The 1500 service will terminate at the IoM Business Park on schooldays.

PORT ERIN- PORT ST MARY- BRADDA & SOUTH SERIVCE 28

Mondays to Saturdays journeys between Port Erin and The Sound retimed to operate 5 minutes later.

Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool receives planning consent

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 14:05:32 GMT

Construction of the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool can start in the summer after planning approval was confirmed today (Tuesday 9 April).

The news has been welcomed today by Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, who said:

‘Gaining planning consent is brilliant news, and the next step in delivering this vital project.

‘The need to secure such a strategically important asset was acknowledged in the Programme for Government and we now look forward to seeing the Island’s new terminal take shape.'

He added:

‘My thanks go to everyone who has been involved in enabling the project to reach this stage – with the promenade project now well under way and the Steam Packet purchased, this administration is proving it is getting things done for the long-term benefit of the Isle of Man. This is the first time that the Isle of Man Government has owned property in the UK so it really is a major step forward.’

The terminal will be constructed at Princes Half-Tide Dock, 675 metres downriver of the current Pier Head facility. It will sit within Peel Land and Property’s Liverpool Waters, the £5 billion regeneration scheme which is transforming 60 hectares of the city’s north docks, including the development of numerous residential, commercial and leisure facilities across five distinct neighbourhoods.

The site sits within Liverpool’s Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site and the Stanley Dock Conservation Area. The development of the design, in partnership with architects The Manser Practice, involved lengthy consultation with a range of stakeholders including Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Waters Conservation Board, Places Matter Design Review Panel and Peel Land and Property.

Contractor John Sisk and Sons Limited has been appointed to construct the facility, which is due to be completed by late 2020, following a full tender process. Funding for the construction phase is subject to approval from Tynwald; the overall cost is forecast to be £31.3m.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘With the new Sea Services Agreement due to be finalised in June and planning approval for the new terminal now secure, this news will allow residents and businesses to make plans with confidence.

‘The Department has worked closely with the Isle of Man Steam Packet to deliver this project, and this has helped strengthen an already solid working relationship. Importantly, the new terminal will enable the Isle of Man Government to have full control over its lifeline sea links to the United Kingdom.'

Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said:

‘The new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal is a critical piece in our regeneration plans for the north shore of Liverpool. The city council is investing a huge amount of money in the transport infrastructure to support this new facility and we are delighted it now has planning approval and can look forward to its completion. The Isle of Man and Liverpool have a historic relationship and this new ferry terminal will cement our strong links and forge even closer ties into the future.’

Darran Lawless, development director at Liverpool Waters, said:

‘We’re pleased that after much careful planning and working closely with Liverpool City Council and the Isle of Man Government, the relocation of the ferry terminal has been given approval to move ahead at Princes Half-Tide Dock, Liverpool Waters.

‘It’s an exciting time for Peel Land and Property at Liverpool Waters, with multiple developments already taking shape where the terminal will be situated. The Isle of Man Ferry will be a fantastic asset to the wider regeneration scheme, which is already delivering new homes and jobs as well as creating further opportunities to access the city’s northern docks, along with the ongoing road improvements taking place as part of Liverpool City Council and the Combined Authority’s City Centre Connectivity project.’

School bus fares to rise by 10p

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:32:42 GMT

School bus fares will cost 40p a journey from today (Tuesday 2 April) for those using Go School smart travel cards.

The change has been made to generate extra revenue and support operating costs for the heavily-subsidised schools service.

Savings of £1m must be delivered from within Isle of Man Transport operations over the next three years. This target was set as part of the SAVE programme and included in this year’s Budget package, unanimously approved by Tynwald in February.

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

‘We appreciate this 10p rise does not make welcome news, but it is designed to reduce the subsidy currently being carried by the taxpayer for this important service.

‘The new fare will carry a student to and from school or college for £4 a week, which is incredible value and compares extremely favourably with similar services in the UK.

‘Buses, trains and trams play an important role in our community, but they must be financially sustainable in order to serve our needs into the future.’

Go School cards can be bought and topped-up with journeys online at www.bus.im or in person at Ramsey Bus Station, Laxey, Castletown, Port Erin and Derby Castle stations, Isle of Man Airport, House of Manannan in Peel, and the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

All journeys loaded on to SCH cards prior to the price rise coming into effect will be honoured.

Standard fares will continue to apply for anyone who does not pay for journeys in advance on a Go School card – half-fare for children and older students on production of an accepted ID card, and full fare for students aged 20 and over.

For fare enquiries, visit www.bus.im, contact the Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre by calling +44 1624 662525 or email publictransport@gov.im

Innovative development scheme to reinvigorate Jurby

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:18:23 GMT

Please click on the image to view it in a larger scale.

An innovative £1.8m project to attract businesses and create a community hub in Jurby is set to inject fresh life into the village.

The three-year scheme was included as part of this year’s package of Budget announcements approved by Tynwald, following successful engagement with residents and the local authority.

More than £800,000 is due to be spent on phase one of the project during the next financial year, 2019/20.

Work is planned to start later this year on improving Jurby Business Park through landscaping and tree-planting, and the installation of improved signage and modern lighting infrastructure.

A planning application for the construction of four new industrial units is expected to be submitted soon, and the site will be designed to accommodate further expansion in the future.

The focus of the second phase of the project, with a budget of approximately £1,050,000 will shift to the north of Ballameanagh Road, on land between Jurby Medical Centre and the Bretney Estate.

Designed in collaboration with the local community and incorporating elements which support the Active Travel Strategy, the proposals aim to link the Bretney Estate and Parish Hall with the school, shop and medical centre through the creation of footpaths, traditional hedging, tree-planting and open green space.

Included in the design is a central picnic area, allotments and recreational space.

Innovative community-led proposals include a ‘Container Cluster’, which will see the development of former shipping containers, upgraded with insulation and power available to rent. These would be ideal for individuals or organisations to use of them for crafts and clubs, or for artists and enthusiasts to have space to work in a supportive environment.

Nearby, four Polycrub tunnels built from recycled materials will provide shelter for people to use to grow their own vegetables alongside outdoor planter beds. The site has also been designed to accommodate car parking and further facilities for the community.

Julie Edge, Member of the Department of Infrastructure, said:

‘The project so far has been a great example of government working with the local community to come up with a project with huge potential benefits.

‘Planning approval pending, the next step will see improvements to the commercial zone to help diversity among businesses in the area. And while that takes place, plans for the second phase will continue to be developed and refined in order to create something really special and community-focussed for the people of Jurby.’

A display of the plans will be available to view and discuss at road show events being held at Jurby Medical Centre next month:

Monday 1 April 2-4pm
Thursday 4 April 11am-4pm
Saturday 6 April 11am-1pm

The events will be combined with a chance for residents to talk to officers from bus vannin about the introduction of the on-demand connectVILLAGES minibus service.

Businesses interested in moving to Jurby should contact Public Estates at the Department of Infrastructure on properties.doi@gov.im

On-demand bus service to serve Jurby from April

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 10:35:06 GMT

Bus services to Jurby are set to improve under a new timetable due to be introduced by bus vannin next month.

The village and surrounding area will become the latest to be served by the on-demand connectVILLAGES minibus service, alongside scheduled buses at peak times.

Timetabled services arriving at the Jurby Threshold shelter from Monday to Friday will continue at 6.55am, 8.02am, 8.15am, 9.02am, 2.52pm, 4.12pm, 4.27pm, 5.27pm, 6.22pm, 7.04pm, 9.02pm and 10.54pm.

Saturday services arriving at the Jurby Threshold shelter will continue at 6.55am, 8.02am, 2.02pm, 5.27pm, 9.02pm and 10.54pm.

Sunday services will be unchanged.

ConnectVILLAGES will replace five Monday-Friday and nine Saturday services, linking Jurby with Ramsey, Andreas, Bride and Maughold.

The service enables customers to be collected from their home, subject to adequate vehicle access, and dropped off at their destination. It is led entirely by demand from bookings and other passengers who are booked in and heading in the same direction are collected along the way.

A two-week bedding-in period will see connectVILLAGES run alongside the existing timetable prior to the new one being introduced.

Letters explaining how to use the service will be sent to all Jurby addresses and road shows will take place at Jurby Medical Centre to help residents find out more:

Monday 1 April 2-4pm
Thursday 4 April 11am-4pm
Saturday 6 April 11am-1pm

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

‘Replacing underused routes with flexible and convenient services which enable social inclusion has been the key theme as connectVILLAGES has been successfully established.

‘I hope the Jurby community will visit the road shows taking place next month to speak to staff about how the service works and the benefits it has already delivered to so many people across the north of the Island.’

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: added

‘This improved service provides a further investment in the Jurby community and will come as welcome news to those who had been concerned by ill-informed online comment. It will also work well with the investments in new community and industrial development in Jurby that were announced recently.

'The demand responsive service has been welcomed by customers - even though we ask for 24 hours’ notice for a booking, we can usually provide a service with less notice and try to be flexible wherever we can’.

Launched in December to link the villages of Andreas, Bride, Maughold and Ramsey, connectVILLAGES has been well-received by the communities it serves. Customer satisfaction measured from January to March found 97.7% thought the service was excellent. Meanwhile, passenger numbers increased by 19% in both January and February compared to 2018 figures across the same area.

Bookings for connectVILLAGES can be made online at www.bus.im/connect or by calling +44 1624 697440 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Journeys can be booked up to 21 days in advance or until 4pm on the day prior to departure. Customers requiring a last-minute service are advised to check online availability or call the team, who do their utmost to accommodate any booking.

Standard fares apply for the service, which runs Monday-Saturday, 9am to 7pm.

For further information, contact bus vannin on +44 1624 662525 or email publictransport@gov.im

Highway Satisfaction Survey results announced

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:09:30 GMT

The findings of last year’s Highway Satisfaction Survey, commissioned from the UK’s National Highways and Transport Network (NHTN), have now been analysed and the results published online.

In July 2018, 3,300 surveys were issued to random addresses across the Island, asking for residents’ opinions on a range of topics including road condition and maintenance, the provision of bus and taxi services, congestion and accessibility.

Almost 1,000 responses were received and analysed in order to show satisfaction levels in comparison with 113 local authorities across the UK.

The results show that overall satisfaction on the Island for its highway stands at 57%, comparing favourably with the UK national average of 53%.

The Isle of Man was the highest ranked area in the UK for aspects of accessibility and tackling congestion.

When compared to the survey’s overall average, local satisfaction with bus services showed the highest results for all of the UK and Isle of Man.

The survey also highlighted areas where there is a demand for greater concentration of resources, including highway maintenance and facilities to help both walking and cycling.

The Isle of Man’s figure for highway maintenance is marginally higher than the UK but is still a point of concern to the Island residents surveyed.

The Island’s residents had very low levels of satisfaction in respect of infrastructure and facilities for walking and cycling, ranking as low as 111 out of 113 areas.

Infrastructure Minister, Ray Harmer MHK, welcomed the results of the survey - the first of its kind on the Island - and the opportunity to see informed and objective feedback. Commenting on the findings he said:

'These detailed results will allow the Department to set benchmarks against which we can measure ourselves in the years ahead, as well as highlighting those areas of improvement and where there is clearly more work to be done.

'In particular, it was gratifying to see the positive response to accessibility as well as the class-leading ranking for public transport.

'We have already earmarked walking and cycling as priority areas, with Active Travel funding secured over the next four years, a review of the pedestrian environment already in place to identify problem areas plus new routes being established for walking and cycling. The survey is clear evidence that we have made the right decision to invest in these areas.

'Highway maintenance remains a hot topic, as the survey has confirmed. We are spending an additional £1.1m this year to improve roads, but we know there is much more to be done to address years of continuing under-investment. We now have a robust set of results to allow us to benchmark that performance, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the survey.'

Keep moving with new-look Read The Signs app

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 11:18:04 GMT

The popular Read The Signs mobile phone app has been upgraded and now includes a number of new features, including a fresh new look and improved graphics.

Launched in 2014, the app has been downloaded thousands of times and allows both Apple and Android users to check what is being shown on the Matrix electronic traffic information signs around the Island.

The signs display important messages for road users such as weather warnings and temporary or emergency road closures. They are updated 24 hours a day and the information on the app is refreshed every five minutes.

One of the key improvements will offer the opportunity to receive notifications when the message on a specific sign is changed. The new version will also allow a user to prioritise a list of their favourite signs rather than viewing the full list.

Using the new map view, the signs can be found by zooming in at their locations, and clicked to see their current message.

Signs that have something on their display will be clearly marked and each will show the date and time when they were last updated.

Kate Lord-Brennan, Member with responsibility for Highway Services, said:

‘Read The Signs app allows many people to plan their journeys with confidence and the new features are designed to bring the app up to date, in terms of how it looks and works.’

The app should update automatically for existing users. New users can download the app at Apple’s iTunes store or the Google Play store.

Anti-Drink Drive Campaign 2018 sees 23 arrests

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 17:05:40 GMT

The Isle of Man Constabulary has concluded its Anti-Drink Drive Campaign for 2018.

The Campaign, which takes place across the festive period, saw 349 vehicles stopped around the Island as a direct result of the operation throughout December.

Consequently, 23 arrests were made, which resulted in 8 drivers being charged in Court. 11 were bailed pending further enquiries and a further 4 were released without charge.

Bill Malarkey MHK, Minister for Home Affairs, said:

‘Everyone knows the risks and dangers of drink driving. It’s extremely disappointing to see that there are still some people who make the decision to do it, putting the lives of themselves and others at incredible risk. I’d like to praise this year’s Officers for their hard work across the festive period and ensuring that our roads are safe.’

Roads Policing Officers were deployed around the island throughout the month with extra attention being placed on the roads at weekends and into the early hours of the morning. Officers breathalysed 38 drivers. 59 vehicles were also found to be defective and the drivers were issued with defect rectification forms during the period.

During the 2017 Anti-Drink Drive Campaign, 14 arrests were made across the same time period.

Sergeant Jamie Tomlinson of the Roads Policing Unit, said:

‘It’s clear that the 2018 Drink Drive Campaign has been effective with an increase in arrests made from previous years. This is due to more Officers being pro-actively dedicated to the Anti-Drink Drive Operation in both marked and unmarked Police vehicles. Whilst on patrols, Officers were also able to target unroadworthy vehicles in order to ensure safety on our roads.

‘We’d like to thank the Department of Infrastructure for their support with the matrix signs this year, which saw drink drive warnings placed in key locations around the island. We also used social media to remind the public that drink driving will not be tolerated and we are commitment to identifying and prosecuting those who offend. Unfortunately, it is apparent that drivers of all ages are not heeding our warnings and are still willing to take the risk.

‘The Constabulary remains committed to tackling drink driving all year round.’

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.