Frontline agencies are preparing for their busiest time of year, with the two week TT festival due to start in two days' time.

Every police officer and firefighter is likely to be called upon during the TT to meet the challenges faced by an influx of thousands of bikes.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson said: '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 Island’s integrated communications system really comes into its own during the TT festival. Police, fire and ambulance 999 calls are handled under one roof in the Isle of Man’s ESJCR (Emergency Services Joint control Room). 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.'

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