RoadWatch service helps motorists avoid delays

A new service has been launched to provide road users on the Isle of Man with a quick and easy way to find out about roadworks and road closures.

RoadWatch, developed by PDMS for the Department of Transport, is accessible via the Government homepage. The key to the success of this new initiative is that the information on the site can be updated directly, in real time, not only by the Highways Division but also local utility companies including Manx Telecom and Manx Gas and the emergency services. Updates on the very latest road closures can also be delivered directly to motorists, without them having to visit the RoadWatch page, via RSS feeds. Prior to RoadWatch, motorists were informed of planned temporary road closure orders via the media, while emergency closures, such as for work on service lines, fallen trees and damage to roads, were passed on to the media as and when they happened.

Director of Highways Bruce Hannay explained; ‘This is a real partnership between the public and private sectors. If you do not listen to the radio during the day, the chances are you will not be aware of any emergency road closures. With this service, a quick glance online before you leave home or work will tell you if there is likely to be any delays on the route you wish to take.’