A campaign to introduce more 20mph speed limits in the island’s urban areas was this week dealt a blow.

In Tynwald on Tuesday, MHK Ann Corlett asked for a progress update on the plans to implement 20mph speed restrictions in residential areas, especially on roads near schools.

Department of Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall replied that there were currently no dates for the implementation in Douglas.

But he said there would be a public consultation for roads surrounding Ballakermeen High School in Douglas ’soon’.

Mrs Corlett, who represents Douglas Central, didn’t find the answer helpful.

She told the Manx Independent: ’I’m disappointed with it. I didn’t find the answers very enlightening.

’For Douglas especially, a place that’s so residentially packed, we need a consultation. It’s so important to see what people think.

’There’s so much commuter traffic going past Ballakermeen High School as well, we’ve got 1,700 pupils at that school, and the speeds going past are incredible.

’It’s places like this we should be focusing on because they are the most impacted as secondary school students walk or cycle to school by themselves, they don’t need a parent with them.’

Fellow Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas asked the minister whether a five-year plan would be necessary ’so we know where we all stand’ and if this would require money from the Treasury.

Mr Crookall said he was ’happy to ask’ for money from the Treasury for a five-year plan.

Mrs Corlett said: ’The five-year plan didn’t sound out of the ball park, it makes sense. I understand this is going to take time and enforcement will be difficult but let’s see the plan because I felt like he didn’t really answer my question.

’I will be coming back [to Tynwald] with another question on this.’

Mr Crookall told Tynwald that the department started work on this matter only in July and, since then, it has progressed ’quite quickly’.

He added the consultation process would start ’as and when’ the department can do it and it is moving ’as quickly as possible’.

When asked by Mrs Corlett if there will be calming measures, such as speed humps or raised pedestrian crossings, brought in to ensure compliance with a speed limit of 20mph, the minister said ’some drivers won’t adhere’ to them but the DoI will look into measures.

This comes after Mrs Corlett claimed there was strong public support for a default speed limit of 20mph in residential areas in 2020.

She organised a petition that year for the reduction of speed near to Ballakermeen High School after residents expressed concern at increased volumes of vehicles.

Areas near many primary schools already have 20mph limits at the start and end of the school day.