Highways chiefs have been accused of failing to consult businesses properly to minimise the effect of disruption caused by roadworks.

The Department of Infrastructure came under fire in the House of Keys on Tuesday.

David Ashford (Douglas North) said some traders felt they were not adequately consulted about major schemes.

’Small to medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and tend to get hit the hardest by disruption,’ he said.

He asked if economic impact assessments were shared with businesses.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said economic impact assessments were carried out as part of the business case for capital schemes, but he did not have to hand the exact details of particular consultations.

’Generally, the department engages with local business and residents in advance of roadworks through a variety of channels,’ he added.

’The scale of the scheme and likely disruption determine a level of engagement with the local community, businesses, local authorities and political members.

’Members of the project team will visit local businesses if there is likely to be a significant impact, such as a town centre regeneration work, several months in advance of the work starting, and will maintain regular contact throughout the works.’

The minister said the department was always mindful of the economic impact on local businesses when it planned major schemes.

’However, the department must also take into account the wider socio-economic impacts when the failure to address problem roads would be more detrimental to the local or national economy.

’It is difficult to assess the actual impact on any business directly, or indirectly, affected by road schemes. Consequently, the department has to balance the short-term impact against the long-term benefits of providing a sound infrastructure.’

He said the department worked with utility companies to reduce economic impact and disruption caused by multiple road closures.

Earlier this year, there was anger among motorists when Bucks Road, in Douglas, was closed for gas works at the same time as resurfacing work was taking place on Douglas promenade, meaning two of the main routes into Douglas were affected at the same time.

Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey) complained about Mountain Road closures at short notice and called for action to stop ’unnecessary’ closures.

’I would hope that any road closure is necessary,’ said Mr Harmer. ’The TT course is a massive positive to our community and we need to do the works at the appropriate time. We will each time keep the actual disruption to an absolute minimum.’