No plans for winter tyres on buses

Cost can't be justified says Infrastructure Minister

There are no plans to fit winter tyres on Island buses during spells of adverse weather.

Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson suggested such a move may allow buses to run more regularly during poor weather, stressing that keeping schools open led to 'massive economic benefits' for the Island.  

However, Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said installing winter tyres on the fleet would cost significantly more with 'next to no benefit'.

He added winter tyres wore very quickly on roads that are not snowy or icy and the cost of fitting and removing 450 tyres each time bad weather was forecast was 'cost prohibitive'.

Mr Harmer also told Tynwald gritting Island roads was more effective with primary routes and routes to Island schools given priority.