Chief Minister Howard Quayle has announced all the island’s roads will be limited to 40mph from midnight tonight.

The measure has been taken to lower the number accidents on the roads which take up the police’s team. Road signs will not be changed due to a lack of resources.

He also confirmed that the Council of Ministers is considering lowering 30mph zones in the island down to 20mph.

The temporary measure has been announced as part of the ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic and will not be a permanent change.

Minutes before Mr Quayle announced the new measure, the police tweeted that the Mountain Road is closed due to crash.

A policeman spokesman said: ’Please be advised that as of midnight tonight, there will be a maximum speed limit of 40mph on all roads over 40mph. You should observe 20mph and 30mph signs as normal.

’This applies to all social and domestic car drivers, motorcyclists, taxis, delivery drivers and any other motorist using the roads. We ask that patience and restraint is observed and that you do not overtake.

’The A18 Mountain road is included in this temporary measure. To be clear any derestricted road area, 50mph area or 60mph area will now be subject of a 40mph maximum speed.

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

’This is for the safety of our island. It will allow us to prevent any major trauma on our roads and ease the demand on our health service and hospitals. One high speed road traffic collision could take up multiple beds and staff that are required elsewhere. It would also require multiple emergency services personnel.’

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