Public Meeting Organized Regarding Proposed Vehicle Ban in Town Square

Residents in the south of the Isle of Man, who are against a proposal to convert a town square into a pedestrian-only area, have requested a public gathering to discuss the initiative. Last year, Castletown Commissioners submitted an application to the Department of Infrastructure, seeking to permanently prohibit vehicles from Market Square with the aim of increasing visitor numbers through community events. Nevertheless, several residents who oppose this alteration have arranged a meeting at Morton Hall, scheduled for 28 November at 19:30 GMT. John Cringle, a former commissioner who organized the event, asserted that there had been no consultation with local residents or businesses, and that the meeting was necessary to clarify the situation. The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) stated that the traffic order to ban vehicles has received a recommendation for approval and is anticipated to be signed by the minister within the current week. Mr. Cringle highlighted that during the winter months, the availability of 17 short-term parking spaces in the town centre holds significance, particularly when the weather is “often inclement”. The DOI indicated that it had publicly announced the traffic regulations order, and individuals were given until 18 October to submit their comments. Mr. Cringle mentioned that he had presented a petition with over 200 signatures from individuals who opposed the change to both the commissioners and the department, although it was submitted after the specified deadline. Town clerk Hugo Mackenzie confirmed that the request to prohibit vehicles year-round was made in November 2023, and since that time, no further application or consultation has originated from the commissioners. He added that Monday evening’s local authority meeting was open to the public, providing an opportunity for individuals to attend and pose questions if they wished.