MHK accuses infrastructure minister of ignoring Tynwald over 20mph speed limits

Tynwald called for recommendations by March 2021, but report still not seen, says MHK

Onchan MHK Rob Callister has accused the infrastructure minister of ignoring the will of Tynwald by failing to act on a long-standing commitment to implement 20mph speed limits in residential areas.

In an open email to Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood, Mr Callister said the Department of Infrastructure had still not brought forward the report Tynwald requested more than three years ago.

He pointed to a February 2023 motion brought by Douglas Central MHK Ann Corlett, which reaffirmed Tynwald’s position that 20mph should be rolled out across residential zones - particularly around schools - with the option for higher limits on distributor roads where appropriate.

That motion also restated a requirement, originally set in October 2020, for the department to report back to Tynwald by March 2021 with recommendations on implementation.

However, Mr Callister said no such report had been forthcoming.

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood has responded to the claims, thanking Mr Callister for bringing the oversight to her attention.

However, she insists her department has been progressing with parts A, B and C of the motion, which focus on rolling out 20mph zones - with priority given to reviewing areas around schools - to help ensure the Island’s streets are safe, inclusive, and easy to navigate.

An implementation plan is expected to be brought to Tynwald in the coming months, ahead of a debate in May.