Another councillor has raised concerns over the impact of roadworks across the Isle of Wight, with calls for the issue to be formally addressed at a key Council committee meeting later this year.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, has called for a full report to be brought before members in July, amid growing frustration from residents and businesses.
Although Fairlee Road has now reopened, with St George’s Way also returning to normal, Island Echo reported on the news that 2-way temporary traffic lights are to be set up at Hale Common.
Councillor Jones-Evans has said:
“I am hearing first-hand from residents and businesses across the Island about the real impact these works are having on their daily lives – and that impact is significant.
“People are facing longer journeys, difficulty accessing services, and in some cases a direct impact on their livelihoods, health and education. Businesses are also reporting reduced footfall and uncertainty.”
She says the level of disruption is now testing the patience of the Isle of Wight community and requires renewed focus.
“What is clear now is that the scale and frequency of works is creating a level of impact that requires renewed focus. That is why I am calling for a full and substantive report to come before the Committee in July.”
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It has been noted that the Isle of Wight is currently rated ‘green’ for road condition in the latest Department for Transport highways scorecard, reflecting continued investment in infrastructure.
However, concerns remain about the cumulative disruption outside of peak summer months.
“From the public’s perspective, however, what matters is the disruption – and that must be better managed.”
Cllr Jones-Evans has confirmed discussions are already underway with senior council officers and partners to improve how roadworks are planned and communicated.
“The July meeting will provide an opportunity for the Committee to hear directly what progress has been made, what improvements are being put in place, and what residents and businesses will see change on the ground.
“We must get the balance right – continuing to invest in our infrastructure while doing far more to minimise disruption and support our communities day to day.”
After 2 years of continual delays and road closures, councillors are suddenly taking an interest. Must be a local election soon!
Too be honest I won’t be voting for any of them, the only
decent councillor I have seen on the island is Karl Love
he is action.
I don’t live in East Cowes so I cannot vote for such a person.
Unlike many councillors he is always doing things even gets
involved in beach cleans etc.
East Cowes are lucky to have such a caring councillor.
Boojum & Snarks newly found “concern” over the way Island Roads do as they please when they please, couldn’t have anything to do with the upcoming elections could it?
She has kept very quiet about it for years, but now with every chance of getting booted out on 7 May, she has “joined” Knocka Dores campaign.
Complying with their obligations under the Traffic Management Act 2004, Section 16 would be a start.
This section places a legal duty on local traffic authorities to ensure traffic moves efficiently and quickly on their road network. It requires councils to manage the network to minimize disruption from roadworks, including coordination with utility companies.
They couldn’t organise a p*ss up in a brewery between them.
That is so true, and they don’t care. Maybe put some of the ‘managers’ in stocks in St Thomas square, so we can vent our frustration properly.
It’s a bit late in the day, this needed to be addressed before the work started. The Fairlee closure cause absolutely carnage. Island Road doesn’t appear to be accountable to anyone.
The day Island Roads took control of island roads
was a bad day.
Should have kept with previous contractors who knew
what they were doing.
Island Roads is a waste of money!
I must agree with you again, IR are a absolute shower, can’t really blame the workers, tho some seem to think they are very important, strutting about, blinding everyone with flashing lights, noisily emptying road side bins at 6am, etc.
Complete rip off, I can’t remember how many millions they were paid, allegedly there are various branches to the tree, who owns the plant, who supplies the material, who does the planning etc.
I’m not saying they are dodgy, but I’ll bet my best pointy hat, there will be some lovely feathered nests amongst the higher ups.
Seems strange that councillors are complaining know or is it that there is an election on Thursday ♀️♀️
What a farce Thursday will be. I predict a low turn out
people know nothing will change whoever wins.
Why are OUR roads being allowed to be closed suddenly!! Why are traffic light’s not being used anymore? Why are multi million pound companies not required to work 24/7 to get work done eith minimum disruption as they do in other countries? The other night Parkhurst Rd was closed and the diversion could have been directed through to Clissold Rd, but no, we had to go round Whitehouse Rd!! Disgusting. Our representatives need to do their jobs!!
Unfortunately the simple fact is they are dicks and and dont give a f#ck
July????The tourist season will have nearly swung by by then,get a grip and convene an emergency meeting…oh no you can’t your all busy protecting your ar..s for upcoming elections!
they should all work 24×7 every time they did b4 island roads by the way only love repairing the side roads as that is easy money
Pretty normal. Bad planning from the Roads and council and probably some pay offs Wink wink. But really when you go on mainland and see road constriction they generally dont close the whole entire road for weeks and divert traffic down unsatifactory roads for very lame reasons island roads came up wih. Roads have to be repaired yes and generally they do them quick so great part there.
Can I assume that the contracts that are required for all these works have no facility for cost overrun or late finish? ANY decent agreement should have a penalty clause that should include an agreement to keep within legislation (Traffic Management Act 2004, Section 16), keep within a pre-agreed timescale and agree to work 3 shifts in order to complete on time with minimum disruption if required. All we see are new diversions, usually badly sign posted, very poor alternate routes, a minimum labour force on site and two fingers to the poor suckers stuck in traffic and the new ridiculous signage stating that you dont want your workers upsetting! The Island is a joke with its transport system, and someone MUST carry the blame and put it bloody right!
I apologise to any tourists trying to spend a day or two here, with 2 Shitelink ferries running late, or not at all, then trying to travel to almost anywhere without diversion or delay.. It is a BANK HOLIDAY for gods sake, surely someone saw this coming… or probably not.
Watching island roads work is very painfully slow. There’s a large 4sq M area of severely damaged road outside of of our house where delivery lorries have been turning. They are continuously repairing just tiny little holes as they are a danger to pedestrians crossing. The whole lot needs digging right out and replacing, would be fer more cost effective in the long run.