Douglas quayside gets traffic-free trial

Government says pedestrianising will up capacity for hospitality

Motorists will be temporarily banned from using Douglas' North Quay as of next week, in an effort to 'boost footfall' in the area.

A traffic-free trial comes into effect on 21 August and will run every evening from 5.30pm to 11pm, until the end of September.

The Department for Enterprise says the scheme will create an 'outdoor dining culture' and support restaurants, cafes and bars with their recovery from Covid-19.

The closure prevents vehicles on the quayside from Queen Street to Market Hill, while the temporary measures will see the suspension of the one-way system on Ridgeway Street from Lord Street.

Parking will be suspended on one side of the road to facilitate this.

Last month, businesses in the area were consulted by the department for feedback on a proposal to fully pedestrianise the quay from Quine’s Corner to Barbary Coast.

A vote at the meeting showed that just five per cent were in support of the original plans, which suggested making it traffic-free from 11am to 11pm.

Concerns over the lack of parking in Douglas dominated discussions with the department agreeing to scrap the full pedestrianisation and instead look at an alternative.

The new scheme, which will run over a six-week trial period, is now an evening-only closure.

Three disabled parking bays will be lost as a result but the department says they will be replaced west of the junction from Queen Street.

St Matthew's Church will be given permits for funeral and weddings to access the area and turn.