Isle of Man warns drivers as black ice makes roads dangerously slippery
Police on the Isle of Man have issued a warning about icy roads across the island. Drivers are being urged to take extra care, with reports of black ice causing hazardous conditions early on Saturday morning.
The Isle of Man Constabulary and emergency services have received multiple calls about slippery surfaces. Key routes affected include the Mountain Road (A18), Peel Road (A1), and Castletown Road (A5). Gritting teams had already treated the Mountain Road and Peel Road, while work on the Castletown Road was still ongoing.
The Department of Infrastructure is actively salting roads to improve conditions. However, motorists are advised to remain cautious, especially on untreated or higher-level routes. Authorities recommend adjusting driving styles to match the icy surfaces and allowing more time for journeys. Black ice has been reported on several other roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Police have stressed the importance of careful driving to avoid incidents in the freezing weather.
The warnings come as gritting continues across the island. Drivers are reminded to stay alert and reduce speed where necessary. The Department of Infrastructure is monitoring the situation and treating priority routes first.