Extensive planning, a coordinated approach and the commitment of staff across all divisions of the Department of Home Affairs will again be crucial to achieving a well-managed TT Festival.
 
The practice and race period, which runs from 25 May to 7 June, represents the busiest time of year for frontline agencies such as the Isle of Man Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Service and the Department’s Communications Division.
 
Every police officer and firefighter is likely to be called upon at some stage during the TT in order to meet a wide range of strategic and operational challenges posed by the influx of many thousands of visitors and the huge increase in traffic on the Island’s roads.
 
By working in conjunction with other Government agencies, voluntary organisations and private enterprise, the Department of Home Affairs will play its part in delivering a safe and successful event.
 
Particular emphasis will be focused on road safety, with the Police adopting a policy of early intervention and strict enforcement in support of the ‘Respect Our Roads’ campaign, in addition to their day-to-day policing duties.
 
FireBike13, the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service motorcycle, will also be a familiar sight as firefighters travel around the Island to pass on important safety advice to riders. Fire stations around the Island will be manned throughout the race periods, and officers will help to oversee safety at the TT pit lane.
 
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The eyes of the world will be on the Isle of Man for the next two weeks and we want everybody to remember TT 2013 for the quality of the racing and the fantastic atmosphere. The significant increase in people and traffic during TT makes it an extremely demanding time of year for the Department, but the professionalism and commitment of our staff always shines through.’
 
He added: ‘The wellbeing of residents and visitors is of paramount importance and an enormous amount of planning goes into the TT Festival to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible. We want people to have fun, but also to behave responsibly, ride within their capabilities and return home with fond memories of their TT experience.’
 
The Department’s Communications Division will once again play a pivotal role in the management of the TT as the TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) system and Emergency Services Joint Control Room (ESJCR) deal with the upsurge in demand.
 
Minister Watterson said: ‘The Island’s integrated communications system is the envy of emergency service providers throughout the world and really comes into its own during the TT Festival. While most countries have separate control rooms to deal with Police, Fire and Ambulance 999 calls, everything is handled under one roof in the Isle of Man’s ESJCR. This can improve the coordination of multi-agency emergencies such as traffic collisions, which in turn helps to reduce response times and ultimately save lives.’
 
He added: ‘Our TETRA system is used by all police officers, fire crews, marshals, ambulance staff and race controllers, and the network handles many thousands of calls during the event. The TT simply wouldn’t run as effectively without it.’