To: Tynwald, Department of Infrastructure, and the Isle of Man Government
Subject: Suspension of 20mph Signage Rollout and Opposition to Revenue-Based Enforcement Measures

We call upon the Isle of Man Government to immediately suspend the island-wide rollout of 20mph signage and to conduct an independent, evidence-based review of the policy before continuing implementation. We also oppose the introduction of any new speed enforcement measures, including average speed cameras, unless clearly justified by local traffic safety data.
  No Evidence of a Safety Issue

The Government’s own Chief Constable has publicly confirmed:

    “There is no evidence to show that lowering speed limits will improve safety,”
    and noted that “no fatalities have occurred in 30mph or 20mph zones attributable to excessive speed.”
    — Manx Radio, 2023

Additionally, during the Tynwald sitting on 18th March 2025 (Question 9), the Minister for Infrastructure, Michelle Haywood, stated:

    “I'd like to reinforce that this is not being carried out primarily as a road safety measure, this is about improving the environment and quality of life for residents, the road safety aspect is INCIDENTAL to these primary aims.”

Within the same question, the DOI minister was asked about pedestrian safety training. The DOI minister replied: "I can ask treasury for some budget, we could issue everyone with high Vis vests". This is hardly the reply the public expects from a responsible minister.

Taken in context with the findings of the independent Steer Davies Gleave report—which found no clear benefits of 20mph zones on safety or pollution—it is clear there is no credible justification for an island-wide 20mph rollout.

It is highly likely, based on evidence from Brussels, that there will be an increase in traffic jams and pollution caused by a 20mph rollout on the Island.

Rolling out blanket signage where no statistical risk exists is not only unjustified—it misuses public money and undermines public confidence.
  Government Overspending and Mismanagement.

It is highly likely that many businesses and services will be adversely affected by the 20mph rollout such as Social care, public transportation, taxis, driving instructors/ tests, tourism, any other business that relies on transport on a regular basis.

The 20mph signage rollout occurs in the context of wider public concern about financial governance:

    The Liverpool ferry terminal project has exceeded its original £18 million budget, now totalling at least £70.6 million (Tynwald PAC, 2023).

    The Public Accounts Committee described the project as “rushed, inadequately planned and hopelessly ambitious.”

    The Isle of Man Health Service has also faced budget overruns and operational instability, putting pressure on core services.

In this climate, it is reasonable to question whether new enforcement tools (e.g., fines or cameras) are intended to address safety—or to generate revenue to offset government overspending.
  Risks of Enforcement Without Evidence

Installing speed enforcement infrastructure where there is no history of speed-related harm is viewed by many as a stealth tax on residents. Without public consent or risk justification, this becomes:

    A misuse of policing resources,

    A threat to public trust, and

    A diversion of funds from truly needed services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure maintenance.

We Therefore Demand:

    Immediate suspension of the 20mph signage rollout pending a full review of cost, impact, and public support.

    A binding requirement for evidence-based justification before any enforcement mechanisms are introduced.

    A formal audit of government capital projects, including the ferry terminal, to improve transparency and accountability.

This is not about opposing road safety—this is about ensuring that public policy is grounded in evidence, proportional to actual risk, and financially responsible.