The successful Young Drivers Manx Motor Meet is going on tour this week, with an event taking place in Ramsey.
 
The initiative is aimed at providing young and new drivers with an opportunity to improve their motoring skills and knowledge. Launched in Douglas last year, the first two events proved so popular that the organisers have decided to take it to other parts of the Isle of Man.
 
The Ramsey Motor Meet will be held at the Albert Road car park this Friday 20 February between 7pm and 9pm and is specifically targeted towards 16 to 25-year-olds and new drivers.
 
As well as receiving a free health check for their vehicles, participants will be able to pick up useful tips and guidance, enter competitions to win fuel, service and valet vouchers and take part in a special auto test organised by Manx Auto Sport. There will also be free refreshments on offer for everyone who turns up.
 
It is hoped that as many young people as possible will turn up in their vehicles and take advantage of friendly and practical advice from experienced drivers, mechanics and road safety officers.
 
Handy hints on vehicle maintenance will help to take the mystery out of what happens beneath the bonnet, and there will be demonstrations on how to change a wheel safely.
 
The Young Drivers Manx Motor Meet is a joint initiative involving the Police, Youth Services, Department of Infrastructure Road Safety Team, Manx Auto Sport and Energy FM. The aim is to encourage safer driving and support efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and serious incidents on the Isle of Man’s roads.
 
John Houghton MHK, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highway Services, said: ‘Driving is important to young people as it provides independence and mobility. It also comes with great responsibility and the Manx Motor Meet is a way for young drivers to learn skills that will stand them in good stead for many years to come.’
 
Sergeant Vincent Lund of the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team added: ‘Statistics show that a disproportionate number of young people are killed and seriously injured on roads throughout the British Isles. In the Isle of Man we have witnessed terrible recent tragedies involving young drivers and passengers. Unfortunately police officers and youth workers are still seeing examples of irresponsible driving by a minority of young drivers, so a number of agencies have joined together to offer practical advice and support.’
 
Further information is available of the Youth Services Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/598849003556804/ and comprehensive road safety advice can be viewed at http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/road-safety/