Isle of Man police warn of TT closed roads penalties

Isle of Man police have warned TT spectators to observe the closed roads orders or risk imprisonment following the eight week sentence handed out to one offender this week.

The sentencing followed a number of offences committed across the island during the racing week with the Isle of Man police also reminding visitors that TT marshals have the same powers as police officers during the racing.

David Seager, 47, of Bristol appeared in court on the Isle of Man following his arrest for committing a public order offence under section two of the Public Order Act and being on closed roads. Seager was sentenced to eight weeks in custody and was banned from the Isle of Man for five years.

Inspector Derek Flint told MCN: “Ignoring a closed roads order is a serious offence as far as we are concerned. The consequences could be catastrophic and as a result of that we will deal with all instances like this robustly.

“I don’t think there have been any increases in the number of instances this year but we are in a transitional period where there aren’t as many police officers permanently stationed on the course and marshals have been dealing with the low level issues very well. Police officers have been called in to deal with more serious issues like this one that resulted in custody. There are others we are currently investigating.

“The way the racing has changed in terms of safety in recent years has to be reflected in spectator safety too. We cannot allow an accident to claim the lives of spectators and racers in an accident caused by someone on the closed roads.”