The Isle of Wight Council is set to have a major debate on the Island’s parking problems next month.
An outspoken councillor has put down a Motion for consideration at the next Full Council meeting on 18th July.
Councillor Chris Whitehouse (Conservative, Newport West Ward) says:
“Parking in my ward is a nightmare. It’s the biggest single issue for local residents and I’ve had literally dozens of meetings now with council officers and Island Roads to try and move things forward. So, I’ve put down a Motion for Full Council so that all its Members can speak about the problems and frustrations in their area and so that we can receive an update from the Lead Member, Cllr Ian Ward, on all he is doing to find solutions.
“We inherited dreadful problems from the previous Administration whose Leader, then Cllr Bacon, and Deputy Leader, then Cllr Stubbins, suddenly quit their posts 18 months ago in a fit of political petulance as the Independent Group became riven with in-fighting and back-stabbing. I’m not surprised their voters threw them out at the last election so poor was their record in office”.
Newport West Ward is directly affected by traffic taking pupils to 5 different schools in an around Wellington Road; and, adds Chris:
“The levels of traffic are dangerous to pedestrians and motorists alike. Our local buses have to mount pavements to get along Hinton Road, and all the small side roads off Fieldfare Road are used as a car park by local sixth form students and teachers. Caesars Road, Wilver Road, Sunningdale Road and Alderbury Road are used as free car parks for shoppers and tradesmen wanting to visit Newport”.
Changes to parking restrictions require a Traffic Regulation Order to be drafted and published for consultation before they can be implemented.
Cllr Whitehouse has concluded:
“There are now several thousand requests on the list being processed by council officers because the previous Administration never got on with the job. We’ve a huge backlog to get through and my Motion will enable all Members of the Council to air the frustration of their local residents about the delays caused by the inaction of the previous Independent Administration.”
The Motion reads:
Cllr Chris Whitehouse
To move:
That parking all over the island is increasingly an issue of concern and frustration to residents
