CONSULTATION ON CHANGES TO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN THE BAY AREA LAUNCHED

Island residents are being invited to have their say in a consultation on proposed changes to traffic restrictions – such as double yellow lines – in and around The Bay area, including Sandown, Lake, Shanklin, Newchurch, Arreton and Alverstone. This latest consultation is the last phase of an 18-month, area-based review of parking provision and highways safety measures across the Island. Part of the aim of the review has been to resolve safety issues through appropriately managing vehicles on the highway network. The proposed changes on the highway have been recommended following requests over the past 10 years from the public, town and parish councils and local councillors. They have been assessed initially by Island Roads in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council. The public consultation contains details of draft Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) – these usually relate to changes to traffic issues such as double yellow lines, one-way streets or no right or left turns. Shanklin has 18 different proposals for TROs, whilst Sandown has 16 and Lake has 12. Newchurch (3), Arreton (1) and Alverstone (1) also feature. The Isle of Wight Council added an online option for TRO consultations last year and this has proved very useful for people to submit their views leading to a significant increase in public participation. The last round of public consultations for Newport & Carisbrooke saw 150 responses. Comments of support and objections can be submitted though cannot be included in the consultation process unless a full address is given whether the response comes in by letter, email or by online survey.  The consultation closes on 29th December. You can have your say by visiting https://www.iow.gov.uk/council-and-councillors/consultations-and-engagement/traffic-regulation-order-consultations/district-4-traffic-regulation-order-consultation/.