A Young Driver Manx Motor Meet took place last weekend at the Grandstand in wintery conditions to promote road safety to young and new drivers.  Yesterday evening saw a prize presentation ceremony take place at the Youth Service Cafe Laare in Douglas for those who took part in a variety of competitions during the Meet.
 
During the successful event, specifically aimed at young people and new drivers, there were competitions with some prizes being awarded on the day. The competitions included testing their driving control skills in a rally car courtesy of Manx Auto Sport.
 
Best Driving Control Skills Contestant was won by Will Price. Other winners were Emma Louise Smith, Helen Lobb, Luke Tunney, Marie Craine, Kirsten Sweeney, Freddie Craine, Jamie-Lee Barrow, Calluim Staley, Stephen Isherwood and Mark O’Connor.
 
DMS provided a wide range of mechanical parts to dispel the mysteries of what is under the bonnet of your vehicle, with a ‘name the mechanical part’ competition, with everyone who took part receiving a gift on the day.  Island Exhausts ran a similar promotion with gifts for all.  Quayside Tyres and Toyo Tyres held a joint draw to win a set of tyres.
 
Manx Motor Meet is co-ordinated by a committee with representatives from the Police, Youth Services, Department of Infrastructure Road Safety Team, Manx Auto Sport, Energy FM and a number of corporate sponsors.
 
Gordon Edwards, Department of Infrastructure Road Safety Manager said:

“The aim of this successful road safety event is to encourage safer driving and reduce the number of fatalities and serious incidents on the Island’s roads.  The multi-agency committee extend their thanks to all the businesses, sponsors and organisations involved in producing such a successful event.  Manx Motor Meet enables young people to benefit from friendly and practical advice from experienced drivers, mechanics and road safety officers.  Particular thanks go to the hard working young volunteers of the Air Training Corps for the charity fundraising car wash in bitingly cold conditions.  Planning for the Manx Motor Meet ‘on tour’ next year is now taking place.”
 
Sergeant Wendy Barker of the Central Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “It was fantastic, if rather cold, event.  Well done to everyone involved and thank you to the young people who came along.  Learning more skills in a safe and fun environment will encourage and enable them to drive more safely this winter.”
 
Further information is available on the Manx Motor Meet Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/379615728858320/ and comprehensive road safety advice can be viewed at http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/road-safety/.