Travel disruption, shifting weather patterns, and how well Islanders are kept informed were among the key themes discussed at the latest meeting of the Island Transport and Infrastructure Forum.
The regular gathering brings together the Island’s major transport and infrastructure partners to compare experiences, raise issues affecting day‑to‑day travel for residents and visitors, and seek means to address these.
Representatives from Red Funnel, Wightlink, Hovertravel, South Western Railway, Southern Vectis, Ringway Island Roads, Vinci Highways, the NHS, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce and Isle of Wight Council departments attended what was described as one of the Forum’s most wide‑ranging, and constructive discussions in recent months.
A recurring topic was the disruption caused by roadworks, especially those launched at short notice. Several members voiced frustration about the high number of Southern Water works designated as emergencies, which can leave road users and operators with little time to prepare or communicate alternatives.
To explore this further, the Forum plans to invite senior representatives from major utility companies to its next meeting, aiming to open a clearer dialogue about coordination and communication.
The council’s forthcoming Economic Growth Strategy was reviewed, with attendees stressing the importance of grounding its proposals in robust, evidence‑based analysis. Attendees asked for a clearer distinction between factual findings and opinion before publication, pointing out that future transport and infrastructure decision‑making relies on a strong analytical foundation.
Updates were provided on proposals to introduce PlusBus on the Island — a combined rail‑and‑bus ticketing offer common on the mainland. The Forum raised concerns that passengers remain unaware of the through‑ticketing options already available for rail, ferry and bus connections via certain rail apps, and agreed that better communication is needed.
Transport operators shared growing concerns about the effects of climate and environmental change. Reported issues included shifting sand and shingle around terminal areas, tidal variations, increased land water and a heightened risk of landslips. A workshop is being planned to allow operators, the Environment Agency, port authorities, council and other relevant partners to pool observations and identify where plans may need updating or aligning.
The Forum also noted the impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme on ferry operating costs, with concerns set to be relayed to the Department for Transport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The Forum acknowledged increasing collaboration between operators, from joint ticketing work and shared updates on ferry refurbishments to coordination during major roadworks and the arrival of new electric buses. However, they agreed that more needs to be done to share this progress with the public.
The Forum also discussed strengthening communication through councillors and MPs, and noted the upcoming leadership change at Visit Wight as a potential opportunity to energise Island promotion, with Forum partners ready to support where appropriate.
The Forum’s next meeting will explore three major themes:
- Healthcare – transport needs and barriers;
- Young people – mobility, care services and opportunities;
- Utilities – the effects of planned and emergency works on the network.
The island is practically in Lockdown
it must be affecting many businesses takings.
More utter bollocks.
Have you seen the fucking disgraceful ferry prices !! £224 return both of the bastards. How the fuck is that possible? we know they get the cost back on just one way £91 going £134 coming back how ? it’s the same fucking time and distance. It’s cheaper to fly to turkey or most other places,you can see why every year less and less people are coming over,shit dirty dump towns scum dead head’s drunk drugged up spitting vaping everywhere.What a dump.Oh and the roads …the fucking roads.AAAGGHHHH.
They are killing off island tourism
And all those potty mouths!
“Emergency” just means “Didn’t do the paperwork” – A loophole in the legislation on exploitable because of the near criminal lack of proper control and oversight.
All young generations NOTHING ABOUT SENIORS TRYING to get from a to b