Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey has apologised for delays in producing a new police road safety strategy.

Daphne Caine (Garff) asked in Tynwald why the new strategy had yet to appear, despite Chief Constable Gary Roberts calling for one in his annual report last year. Mr Malarkey said the delay was caused by work dealing with new anti-money laundering measures.

The minister said: ’The chief constable would apologise, and I would, for the delay.

’This will be led by the senior officers and, unfortunately, they have been held up lately doing some Moneyval stuff, which has delayed us moving forward with this.

’It has now become a priority and, certainly, by the end of July we will have a group up and working.’

Mrs Caine asked what areas the strategy would cover and whether a national speed limit would be included.

The minister replied: ’As far as what is going to be involved, it is difficult for me at this stage, they will be taking into consideration legislation, enforcement, education, engineering, road design.’

He said they would seek input from the public.

Former home affairs minister Juan Watterson (Rushen) asked whether the ’anomaly’ that saw road safety legislation drawn up by the Department of Infrastructure, but policed by the Department of Home Affairs, would be addressed.

Mr Malarkey said the transferring of legislation to his department was not happening quickly enough ’because there is a lack of communication’, but he was keen to see that addressed.