Isle of Man legislation regarding vehicle weights and dimensions may differ from those authorised in the country of registration of the visiting coaches.
The Isle of Man Road Transport Licensing Committee is responsible for regulating coaches brought temporarily into the Island and regulations have been made under the Road Transport Act 2001¹.
¹ The Road Transport Operators (Vehicles Brought Temporarily into the Island) Regulations 2002. SD 48/02 [Weight limits set out in the Explanatory Notes have been superseded by Construction and Use Regulations.].
Buses and coaches may be brought temporarily into the Island for a period of up to but not exceeding one month. Passengers that may be carried are those making a temporary stay under a ‘package tour’ arrangement. All arrangements and payment must be made in advance, outside the Island. Cabotage Operations are prohibited, i.e. the carriage of goods or passengers that originates and terminates within the Isle of Man by an operator not licensed by the Road Transport Licensing Committee.
There is no requirement for the passengers to physically accompany the vehicle to and from the Island, and therefore the passengers may travel by air or by ferry independently of the vehicle.
Drivers of visiting coaches who are licensed to drive that vehicle in the country or territory of registration are granted a temporary exemption from Isle of Man Road Transport driver licensing requirements for one month².
² The Road Transport (Driver Licensing) (Exemption) Regulations 2002. SD 86/02
Length
The maximum permitted length for any coach is 13.5m providing they meet the EU turning circle directive.
Weight
Plated 2-axle coaches fitted with twin tyres and road-friendly suspension are permitted on Manx roads up to the maximum permitted weight specified on the latest plate carried by the vehicle. If such a vehicle does not have a plate, the maximum total permitted weight is 18,000kg. depending on the axle spacing, and the maximum axle weight is 11,500kg for the driving axle.
In the case of 2-axle coaches without twin tyres and without road-friendly suspension, Isle of Man limits apply. In such a case the total weight of the vehicle is limited to 16,260 kg. depending on the axle spacing, and its maximum axle weight is limited to 10,170kg. for each axle.
In the case of 3 axle coaches, whether or not they are fitted with twin tyres and road-friendly suspension, the permitted weights are 24,390kg for the vehicle as a whole depending on the axle spacing and 10,170kg for each axle.
Coaches may be cleaned and serviced, by prior arrangement, at the Bus Vannin's Bus Depot, situated to the west of the North Quay, between the Railway Station and Tesco’s Supermarket. Contact: Bus Traffic Manager Tel. +44 1624 663366.
Parking, Drop Off Points and Days Out
It is recommended that you use the Ordnance Survey Landranger Map No. 95 for planning days out on the Isle of Man.
Many of the small towns and villages have narrow roads and one-way systems. Coaches are prohibited on some narrow roads. Please refer to Traffic Signs when travelling around the Island. Please use the preferred routes to the coach parking areas described below.
The Island's historic sites and key attractions are regularly visited by coach parties and where possible coach parking is accommodated nearby but in some cases, for example, Castletown and Laxey Wheel, parking adjacent to heritage sites is not possible. Please see below for details.
Douglas
The Ferry Port at the Sea Terminal in Douglas has allocated parking for up to 4 coaches situated on the Victoria Pier for picking up and dropping off ferry passengers. Parking is normally for short duration only and overnight parking is only permitted in this location by prior arrangement with Harbours Division, tel +44 1624 686631. Coaches departing by ferry should proceed to the Circus Beach Marshalling Area where appropriate security checks will be made.
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Laxey
Coaches over 12m length are advised not to enter lower Laxey and the Promenade. The Village of Laxey provides dedicated coach parking for 3 coaches at the Dumbells Terrace car park (opposite the war memorial) off the A2, just over the tram lines. Parking for the Lady Isabella Laxey Wheel is located further up Dumbell’s Terrace behind the Fire Station. Access to the car park at the Wheel is unsuitable for coaches.
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Ramsey
During the summer months there are 2 dedicated coach parking bays in Dale Street, Ramsey, close to the West Quay. Setting down only is permitted in the nearby Market Place. The preferred route to Dale Street from the south is via Queen’s Promenade, if using the A2 Coast Road. All other routes from the north, west or from the A18 Mountain Road is via the West Quay.
The Victorian historic house at The Grove, Ramsey has free parking for coaches in the car park at the front of the site. For visits to the Mooragh Park, coaches may park on the car park at the northern end accessed via the Mooragh Promenade.
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Peel
Peel has coach parking available on Marine Parade (sea front) in the Creg Malin car park. This car park can accommodate a maximum of 6 coaches. Access via the A4 is from Stanley Road, otherwise follow the signs to the Quay or House of Manannan and then to the Promenade.
Parking for coaches is available at the rear of the House of Manannan Museum and on the breakwater for visiting Peel Castle. Coaches can also drop off at the end of Shore Road and passengers then walk over the foot bridge to the castle.
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Tynwald Hill, St Johns and Culture Vannin Centre
Coach parking at St Johns is situated on the A1 at the entrance to the Arboretum, Douglas side of the Tynwald site.
Castletown
Castletown has several Manx National Heritage historic attractions in the town which means it can be relatively busy in the peak season and during cruise visits, it’s recommended for drivers to co-ordinate with Manx National Heritage group bookings prior to visiting the attractions or call ahead. Castle Rushen, the Old House of Keys, the Nautical Museum and the Old Grammar School are all centrally located. The Manx Wildlife Trust Scarlett Nature Discovery Centre, is a 15 – 20 minute walk from the main coach park. Setting-down and picking-up for these sites should be undertaken at the dedicated coach parking area behind the main square in Farrant’s Way.
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Rushen Abbey, Ballasalla
Parking for coaches in the car park at the front of the site.
Port Erin
Up to 10 coaches may park day or night on the car park to the rear of the Police Station. Access from Station Road (A5) is via Droghadfayle Road, (immediately before the Police Station).
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Port St Mary
Two coach parking bays are provided on the car park opposite the Town Hall on the Promenade, close to the entrance to the Village. (First left after the school).
Cregneash
Cregneash Village in the south of the Island is a living illustration of a Manx farming and crofting community in the 19th and early 20th century. Coach parking is available in the Public Car Park at the entrance to the Village.
The Sound
The Sound at the southern tip of the Island has coach parking adjacent to the entrance to the café. This can be busy in peak season for coaches and general visitors so it is recommended to call the café to inform them of your planned arrival +44 (0) 1624 838123. There is narrow roads on the road to the Sound from Cregneash.
Please click here to view the weight restricted roads list.
Before and during your visit check the latest information on road closures, diversions, roadworks and forthcoming events by clicking the Roadwatch link below.
https://one.network/?iomg-device=Mobile
As a group organiser, please contact accommodation, attraction/activity and eating out establishments directly before you make any plans and before you travel to check on their individual policies with respect to new and changing procedures in relation to Covid-19
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