Controversial cost saving measures to hit imminently

Scrapping free parking at the airport and increasing charges in Douglas car parks – just two ways government is planning to save money.

A raft of controversial measures is being implemented by the Department of Infrastructure in a bid to save £5 million in this financial year.

They’re set to hit taxpayers in the pocket – people will now be charged to park on the Douglas Promenade walkway – and free disc parking is being reduced to one hour instead of two.

School children will be charged 50p per journey to travel to and from school and senior citizens will now have to wait until they reach state pension age for a free bus pass.

The majority of the changes do not have to be approved by Tynwald – the department says they are designed to be as fair as possible in “extremely difficult circumstances”.