Messaging on Mountain Road Matrix signs

Summary

A request was made to identify the ownership, authorization, and operational procedures for non-traffic messaging on Mountain Road digital matrix signs. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed it owns the signs, grants permission, and handles input, noting that all government departments may use the signs with approval from senior officials.

Key Facts

• The Department of Infrastructure owns the digital matrix signs.
• The Department of Infrastructure grants permission for messaging on the signs.
• Messages are physically input by the Department of Infrastructure / Ports (Airport) Division and Met Office staff.
• All government departments are permitted to place messaging on the signs once permission or an agreement is reached.
• Authorization requires approval from the Director of Highways or the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Infrastructure.

Data Disclosed

• 2183273
• 2022-01-21
• 2022-01-27
• 2
• 1
• IM1 2RF
• 01624 686785

Original Request

There are currently digital matrix signs at Barregarrow, Kirk Michael, and at Sulby Glen, and in Ramsey and at Cronk-ny-Mona, Douglas. These signs usually display warning information for drivers about to travel on the Mountain Road. Information such as fog, high winds or road closures is typically displayed. However, over the last couple of years non-road traffic information has also appeared such as "Police now recruiting" or "Stay at Home" or now "Over 12? Walk in vaccinations available". Please can you confirm the following: 1. Which IOM Government department owns such Matrix signs? 2. Which government department gives permission for messaging to be used on the signs? 3. Which department or branch of government is tasked with physically inputting the messages on to the signs? 4. Are all government departments permitted to place messaging on the signs? 5. Whose personal authority (such as a minister or chief executive) is sought before authorisation is given for the messaging to appear on the signs? Thank you.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Response Team/AD/RH Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: dpo-doi@gov.im

Our ref: 2183273 27 January 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 21 January 2022 and which states:

"There are currently digital matrix signs at Barregarrow, Kirk Michael, and at Sulby Glen, and in Ramsey and at Cronk-ny-Mona, Douglas. These signs usually display warning information for drivers about to travel on the Mountain Road. Information such as fog, high winds or road closures is typically displayed. However, over the last couple of years non-road traffic information has also appeared such as "Police now recruiting" or "Stay at Home" or now "Over 12? Walk in vaccinations available". Please can you confirm the following: 1. Which IOM Government department owns such Matrix signs? 2. Which government department gives permission for messaging to be used on the signs? 3. Which department or branch of government is tasked with physically inputting the messages on to the signs? 4. Are all government departments permitted to place messaging on the signs? 5. Whose personal authority (such as a minister or chief executive) is sought before authorisation is given for the messaging to appear on the signs? Thank you."

Our response to your request is as follows: 1. The Department of Infrastructure 2. The Department of Infrastructure. 3. The Department of Infrastructure / Ports (Airport) Division and Met Office staff. 4. Yes, once permission or an agreement has been reached.

1. Director of Highways or Chief Executive Officer of Department of Infrastructure or any person in that role as substitute or acting. Please quote the reference number 2183273 in any future communications.

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Yours sincerely

FOI Response Team