The Department of Infrastructure is spending £500,000 a year improving residential streets.

In the Programme for Government the DoI was given the target of investing better design and layout of streets in residential areas.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer, in response to a written House of Keys question from Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey), said ’considerable progress’ had been made.

It has received £500,000 annual funding for the next 10 years to carry out improvements to residential roads.

’This capital is being spent to upgrade roads and footways in residential neighbourhoods to fulfil the Programme for Government objective of making the island a better place to live, as well as encouraging people to walk and cycle as part of the government’s active travel strategy.’

Last year a Manual for Manx Roads document was published on the DoI website. It details the design requirements for all roads, including residential streets.

’This replaced guidance that had been in place since the 1990s that reflected thinking from a different age,’ said Mr Harmer.

’The Manual for Manx Roads is used by both site developers and the department in the design process.’