Motorists can stay up to date with road closures and driving conditions in the Isle of Man by using the readthesigns mobile phone app developed by the Department of Infrastructure.

The app, which is particularly well used during the TT Festival, allows users to check information being displayed on 13 electronic traffic signs situated at the Villa Marina, Liverpool Arms, Richmond Hill, Bath Place, Albert Road, Barrule Park, Ramsey-Mountain, Hillberry-Mountain, Hillberry-Douglas, Sulby-Mountain, Sulby Main Road, Barregarrow-Mountain and Barregarrow Main Road.

The matrix signs, which highlight important messages such as weather warnings and temporary or emergency road closures, are updated 24 hours a day. The corresponding details for the app are refreshed every five minutes.

readthesigns is available free of charge from app stores and has been downloaded thousands of times since it was first launched in 2014. When iPhone or android users click the icon on their mobile, it displays the full list of matrix signs around the Island that can then be opened and read.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: ‘This app is useful to motorists all year round, but really comes into its own during the busy TT period. It puts real-time information at people’s fingertips.’

He added: ‘This is an example of how the Department is embracing technology to provide useful information in a more convenient way in line with Government’s Digital Strategy.’