The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure (DCCL) has requested the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) to investigate the possibility of increasing the maximum speed limit for buses to 50 mph, subject to any general speed restrictions in force. In order to investigate the merits of this request the DOI has agreed to hold a consultation to gauge public reaction. Subject to public support, the following routes will be used on a trial basis for 12 months.
1. Ballasalla to Spring Valley Roundabout
2. Foxdale to Silverdale Glen
3. Castletown to Ballabeg (from the bypass to Ballabeg)
4. Onchan to Ramsey (via the Coast Road, excluding Laxey)
5. Greeba to Peel (excluding St John’s and Ballacraine)
6. Mountain Road (restricted to single deck vehicles only)
At the end of the trial period the DOI will review all feedback received and either leave the amendment in place or revert back to the current 40 mph speed limit.
Richard Pearson, Director of Highways, stated “the basis of the proposal is to improve road safety. Presently, we have buses travelling at a slower speed than general traffic in several locations and much slower than the speed limit in force. This creates a situation where buses are frequently overtaken by other vehicles and the Department believes this presents a risk to both bus passengers and other road users. Both the DOI and DCCL recognise that increasing bus speeds creates a risk, but on balance believe this proposal should decrease overall risk by reducing the number of overtaking manoeuvres, and therefore improving road safety. Whilst the primary benefit of these proposals is road safety, an indirect benefit would be reduced bus journey times and congestion.”
Further details of the proposals can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.gov.im/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=325
Should you wish to comment on the proposal, would you please do so in writing to Mr Chris Hannon at Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal Buildings, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF or alternatively you can email your comments to Chris.Hannon@gov.im.
Written comments should arrive with the Department no later than 5.00 pm on the closing date of the consultation which is 10 August 2012.
