Motorists will be temporarily banned from using Douglas’s North Quay as of next week, in an effort to ’boost footfall’ in the area.

A traffic-free trial comes into effect next Friday, August 21, and will run every evening from 5.30pm to 11pm until the end of September.

The Department for Enterprise says the scheme will create an ’outdoor dining culture’ and support restaurants, cafes and bars in their recovery from Covid-19.

The closure prevents vehicles on the quayside from Queen Street to Market Hill, while the temporary measures will see the suspension of the one-way system on Ridgeway Street from Lord Street.

Last month, businesses along the quayside were consulted by the department for their feedback on a proposal to fully pedestrianise the quay from Quine’s Corner to Barbary Coast.

A vote at the meeting showed that only 5% were in support of the original plans, which suggested making it traffic-free from 11am to 11pm.

Concerns over the lack of parking in Douglas dominated discussions with the department agreeing to scrap the full pedestrianisation and instead look at an alternative.

The new scheme, which will run over a six-week trial period, is now an evening-only closure.

Three disabled parking bays will be lost as a result but the department says they will be replaced west of the junction from Queen Street.

Parking spaces for residents will remain and St Matthew’s Church will be given permits for funeral and wedding vehicles to access the area and turn.