Move to free up police time and ease pressure on medical services

An Island-wide temporary speed limit of 40mph is being enforced from this evening.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle made the announcement during this afternoon's coronavirus briefing from the government

This is to prevent any major trauma on the roads and ease the demand on the Island's health service and hospitals: the police say one high-speed crash could take up multiple beds and staff that are required elsewhere and would also require multiple emergency services personnel.

In a post on social media the Isle of Man Constabulary has outlined the new measures, saying it applies to derestricted roads and ones which normally have 60mph and 50mph speed limits.

The post also reminds the public that a 40mph limit does not mean 20mph and 30mph zones should be ignored.

The new rules apply to all vehicles, including social and domestic car drivers, motorcyclists, taxis, delivery drivers and any other motorist using the roads.

Officers in both marked and unmarked police vehicles will be monitoring driver behaviour and will take action where necessary, however, the police say it is hoped everyone will show patience and understand the need for these measures to be put in place.

The signs will not be marked or changed at this time due to resources.