Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer says he is prepared to get tough in efforts to encourage more people to ditch the car in favour of ’active travel’.

In Tynwald last week, Kerry Sharpe MLC said: ’We have seen over the past couple of years what could be referred to as the "carrot" approach to encouraging active travel - for example, education and the government’s Cycle to Work Scheme - but many countries have introduced definite "sticks" into their legislation with the aim of making roads safer for walkers and cyclists.

’Would the minister consider sticks as well as carrots in legislation?’

Mr Harmer gave a simple ’yes’ as his answer, adding his department was looking at ways the law could help active travel.

But, earlier he said: ’The government is intent on increasing the number of people travelling actively on the Isle of Man.

’This, of course, is best pursued by education, encouragement and awareness rather than through additional legislation.’

Active travel means cycling, running or walking.