Twenty miles an hour zones on various roads in Douglas are due to be imposed by the government.

It is currently unknown when this will take effect.

The Department of Infrastructure placed notice in the Courier on July 9 to announce the move.

It stated: 'The department gives notice that it proposes to make an Order, the effect of which will be to introduce a 20mph zone on various roads in Douglas.’

A spokesperson from the DoI said: 'The statutory consultation requirement for such a proposal is prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1985.

’This sets out that the department must publish notice of its intention in a newspaper, allowing for a period of not less than 14 days for comments, representations etc to be made.

'The advert has recently been published to start the ball rolling with the process and invite comments from those that may be affected.’

In 2020, Ray Harmer, the former minister for the DoI, suggested the current Douglas promenade 20mph speed limit, kept in place while works continue, could become permanent.

Mr Harmer said his department was progressing with increasing and improving 20mph zones in towns and villages.

Since then, no preliminary consultation has taken place before the notice in the newspaper.

Michael Josem, an election candidate for Douglas East,says the DoI should be consulting with the public regarding its decision making.

There have been campaigns for 20mph in central Douglas and elsewhere under the slogan ’Twenty is plenty’.

Roads that will be affected by the change include Douglas Promenade, Bath Place, Peveril Sq, Victoria St, Regent St, Fort St, Howard St, Granville St, Castle Mona Ave, Empress Dr, Mona Dr, Empire Terrace, Castle St, Palace Road, Falcone Cliff Court, Little Switzerland Rd, Walpole Ave.

A draft copy of the department’s order with the plan is available on request by email to [email protected] or the offices of Douglas Council.

Objections should be sent to the above email address or written to the Department of Infrastructure on or before July 23.

The reference for this plan is PER265.

Currently, a notice has only been posted about Douglas roads, but it’s not been disclosed as of yet if the same rules will come into effect elsewhere in the island.