Latest news with #ofInfrastructure
BBC News
09-04-2025
- BBC News
Mobility scooter users can apply to use bus route in Manx capital
Users of some mobility scooters can now apply for the right to use a bus route that operates from the city centre to the outskirts of the Isle of Man's Vannin users of the class 2 vehicles would undergo boarding and awareness training before being issued a permit to use the services on route 21 from government-owned operator said the scooter had not previously be allowed due to "inconsistent manoeuvrability" and issues with boarding on a number of Eric Corkish, who first called for a rule change in 2019, said while the time it had taken was "ridiculous", it would make a "big difference" to those eligible to use it. Anyone who would like to use the route need to complete the relevant paperwork, including providing details of the scooter, and undertake boarding and awareness user will then be issued with an identity card to be able to travel on the route, which starts at Lord Street in the capital, and visits Pulrose, Anagh Coar, Noble's Hospital, Vicarage Road and the Isle of Man Business government said data would be gathered from the scheme would be used when considering any future expansion of the scheme. Mr Corkish, who's left leg was amputated in 1994 due to blocked artery, said while he was fortunate enough to be able to drive, it was more expensive than taking the bus and "not everyone can drive to get about because of their disability".The Ramsey resident said a trial, which allowed him to board buses on his scooter from September 2019 to January 2020, gave him the chance to use more facilities on the island, such as the National Sport Centre in scooter user said while the service on the number 21 route was a "good move" that he would be applying to use, he saw "absolutely no reason" why it could not be rolled out across the had been "a long time coming", as "up until now I've been able to use my scooter to reach the steps of a plane but I can't ride a bus using it", he said. Improving accessibility Class 2 mobility scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph (6.4km/h) and cannot be used on a road unless there is no of Infrastructure political member Dawn Kinnish MLC said the new service would "ensure greater inclusivity" and allow the operator to gather data to help shape future services. Kinnish, who is also chairman of the government's Accessibility Steering Group, said she welcomed work by the Highway Services Division to introduce 30 new kerbs allowing step-free access between buses and pavements at suitable stops across the island over the next 12 raised kerbs were designed to assist those with mobility or access needs but also include a tactile finish to "help people with a visual impairment", she government has confirmed no other routes have currently been earmarked for a further widening of the scheme. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Sections of Mountain Road close for TT 2025 race preparation
Sections of the A18 Mountain Road on the Isle of Man are to be closed to traffic over the next two weeks to prepare the route for this year's TT of Infrastructure teams will be installing race equipment and carrying out maintenance work from Monday to road is the main route used by commuter traffic between the north of the island and the 3.5 mile (5.7km) stretch from the Bungalow to the Creg Ny Baa will be closed from 09:30 BST. On 14 to 17 April the 24-hour-a-day closure will then be from Ramsey to the comes after a four-week planned closure was postponed due to issues with asphalt equipment. The resurfacing works, which were due to take place throughout April, will now go ahead after the Manx Grand Prix, which runs from 17 to 19 August. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
