There is still time to respond to the Department of Infrastructure’s consultation on public transport and car parking.
 
The document is available to view on the Government website here and the deadline for contributions is Thursday 31 July.
 
The proposals have generated a great deal of public interest, with more than 1,300 responses being submitted to the Department already.

Public feedback is invited on a wide range of options including –
 
•         Charging for school bus services
•         Raising the age of entitlement for free bus passes in line with the state retirement age
•         Charging Tynwald Members and Government employees for parking spaces
•         Charging residents for on-street parking permits
•         Charging for parking in central Douglas

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘I would reiterate that we are still in the consultation phase regarding these proposals and no firm decisions have yet been taken. People are encouraged to share their views as this feedback will help to shape the Department’s future plans.’
 
He added: ‘I recognise that the possibility of charging for services that have previously been free or heavily subsidised is never going to be popular. However, the reality is that the Government is facing a significant financial challenge and certain services are simply not sustainable as things stand.’