Major UK dependency pushes forward with blanket 20mph speed limits impacting thousands

The Department of Infrastructure, which oversees the island, is currently engaging with the public on the proposed changes, which form part of a phased rollout expected to expand across towns and villages over the next two years.

The initiative aligns with the ambitions outlined in 'Our Island Plan' to improve the quality of life and create safer streets for residents.

Port St Mary became the first village on the island to introduce a blanket 20mph speed limit, with new signage already installed on residential roads.

The need for lower speeds follows the Government's stance that reducing traffic speeds in residential areas is "an important step towards improving people's quality of life and creating streets that are safe and inclusive".

But the Department of Infrastructure did note that no new traffic calming measures will be introduced under the scheme.

Instead, the focus will be on the installation of new signage, raising public awareness and encouraging compliance through behaviour change.

The changes will affect towns and villages across the island differently. In Peel, almost all roads will have 20mph restrictions, particularly around schools and residential streets.

Castletown will see most roads limited to 20mph, though Arbory Street and Malew Street will remain at 10mph, while Queen Street leading to Scarlett Road will be restricted to 20mph.

Port Erin's residential roads will also see the lower speed limit introduced, with emphasis on safety near schools and community spaces. Douglas, the island's only city, will undergo significant changes with longer routes such as the promenade, Summerhill Road and Ballanard Road all falling under the 20mph restrictions.

In Marown, including Crosby and Glen Vine, there will be fewer changes as most estates and small roads are already 20mph zones, with the main A1 remaining at 30mph. Ramsey will also see 20mph limits in residential areas to promote safer streets.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood has experienced the new limits firsthand, admitting she had triggered a speed warning sign by going 1mph over the new limit in Port St Mary, drawing some light-hearted reactions in Tynwald.

However, the project has faced significant opposition from residents, with a petition to halt the Department of Infrastructure's all-island 20mph project gathering over 3,300 signatures.

The petition detailed: "Our island's wellbeing is at stake with the Department of Infrastructure's plan to introduce a universal 20mph limit across our roads.

"The proposed project, while it may seem beneficial for pedestrian safety, has several ignored implications, chiefly amongst them are the increase in congestion and CO2 emissions."

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According to the petition, "stop-start driving caused by congestion can increase CO2 emissions by as much as 30 per cent".

There are also economic concerns, with petitioners warning that "increased congestion equals increased costs to our economy."

Some residents have expressed concerns that artificially low speed limits could cause an increase in accidents as "drivers get bored and do not pay attention to driving".

Others worry the changes have been implemented "without a lot of thought given to the greater effects."