Manx police urge TT fans to 'respect our roads'

Manx police have urged visitors and local people to "respect our roads" and drive within their limits during this year's Isle of Man TT festival.

An influx of 50,000 visitors to the island are expected for the famous road-racing fortnight which begins on 26 May.

Isle of Man Chief Constable Russ Foster said he wanted to continue "the track record of no fatalities" on open roads during motorcycle festivals seen on the island in the last three years.

He said he also wanted all visitors to enjoy the event, but added "the message is simple - know your limits".

The races begin with qualifying sessions on 26 May and continue until 7 June.

Riders and drivers have been warned to stick to speed limits and not to enter closed roads as part of the force's annual safety campaign.

The A18 Mountain Road, between the Ramsey Hairpin and Creg Ny Baa, will operate as a one-way system during the TT, while cycling is not permitted on this section of the road throughout the event.

Mr Foster said 85% of those seriously injured in crashes during 2022 to 2024 festivals were men over the age of 50.

Stickers in a number of languages have also been produced to remind motorists to keep to the left on Manx roads.

It comes after the force reported an increase in international visitors riding on the wrong side of the road, which led to two incidents in 2024.

Insp John Mitchell, who heads up the Roads Policing Unit during the festival fortnight, said there was "no excuse to break speed limits and no excuse to drink alcohol or to take drugs whilst driving or riding".

He said: "Those actions put others innocent road users at great risk."

Officers would be out in marked and unmarked vehicles to "robustly target anyone who is breaking the law", he added.

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