Cyclists are urged to avoid using the roadway on Douglas promenade during the regeneration works.

Minutes from the October meeting of the promenade strategic board have been released on the MyProm website.

Members had become aware of reports of recent accidents involving cyclists riding on the temporarily diverted carriageway, encountering issues with the tram rails. This led to a number of options to resolve the matter being discussed at some length.

The minutes added: ’It was agreed that, as all possible signage had already been installed, the most appropriate action to address the hazards would be to prevent cyclists from riding on the roadway for the affected length of the promenade, for the duration of the works.

’The Minister [Tim Baker, DoI] also requested that consideration be given to pedestrian safety at the same time.’

More than just horse trams are being planned for the much stronger rail tracks that were bought from Merseyrail in 2014. However, the cost per unit to the Manx taxpayer was higher than that paid for by other purchasers.

The track itself is 13 years old, having being bought by Merseyrail in 2006. It was then left in a depot in Immingham before being moved and stored when the project was abandoned in 2013.

In the October minutes, it is stated that the ’location of the tram track terminus should identified as the Bottleneck, rather than the Sea Terminal or Loch Promenade, for the purposes of forthcoming legislation’.

The promenade will also be gaining two gullwing tram shelters. A DoI spokesman said: ’There are two tram shelters being installed, one at the War Memorial and one at the Bottleneck car park.

’Although the horse tram is seasonal, a sheltered seating area was considered appropriate for the two main terminus points for the tram operation.’

When the Manx Independent asked for further clarification as to why the legislation was needed and if it was intended to be used for the creation of a modern tram system, the spokesman said: ’The legislation in question is the Douglas Bay Tramway (amendment) Bill.

’The stated aim of which is to amend various powers contained within the Douglas Bay Tramway Act 1876 to ensure the current and future operation of the tramway is on a secure legal footing.

’The Bill is still under consideration by the department before being introduced into the branches. It is intended that this will happen within this administration.’

One notable omission from the minutes is any talk of a end date for the works. However, Mr Baker has recently said a completion date closer to June 2022 is more likely for the scheme which began in September 2018.