DoI working on Island wide review of disc parking

Consultation will follow

The Department of Infrastructure is continuing work on an Island-wide review of parking provision. 

Minister Tim Crookall gave an update at the July sitting of Tynwald - the last of the current administration.

He told members his department is focussing on areas with particular difficulty around parking including parking zone H in Douglas which covers a large part of the centre of the capital. 

To ease the issues the minister said a range of options has been assessed against 'key objectives such as fairness for residents, support for local businesses and essential services, ease of enforcement, administrative efficiency and overall value for money'.

He added: "The review is also considering opportunities to modernise the existing arrangements, including the use of digital processes and improved permit administration, whilst ensuring that any future system remains clear, proportionate, and enforceable."

Douglas Central MHK Ann Corlett welcomed the review but told Mr Crookall it had been 'been promised for some considerable time now' and asked what consultation will follow the review:

Mr Crookall, who has announced his retirement from politics, acknowledged the Island's parking setup is 'not a great system' and said that, despite a difficulty in getting staff to do the work, the department was going to progress with it. 

Following questions from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, Mr Crookall said that some digital elements, such as cameras, may be used in future enforcement, while his department will continue to work on removing abandoned vehicles. 

He later added that changes could be made in the capital to extend disc zone residents' parking limits on some roads where there are currently no limits. 

Mr Crookall said: "It is an issue, particularly in Douglas.

"I would say I'm not too sure about other areas but particularly in Douglas we know because there's a lot of people who come into Douglas every day to work and they will find places to park without having to pay.

"But that is definitely part of the review."