Newport Parish Council says it is delighted with the success of it’s first Newport Travel Forum, which was held at The Riverside Centre on Saturday.
The forum, which was well-attended, provided an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to exchange ideas and feed into current projects and consultations affecting traffic, pedestrian accessibility and cycling into and around the town.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans kicked-off the event with the results of Newport Parish Council’s 20mph residents’ survey. The results from PO30 respondents showed that over 60% were in favour of implementing 20mph zones in town and that many would support the restrictions being mandatory as opposed to advisory.
Martin Gibson of Creative Interpretation gave an illuminating and engaging presentation on a pedestrian street audit of Newport, which highlighted issues such as narrow footways, difficult crossing points and accessibility for people with restricted mobility.
Tim Thorne updated the forum on CycleWight’s recent permeability study examining ways to make improvements in highway design to facilitate better provision for cycling on the island, including the positive work currently being undertaken to improve cycling and walking to Gunville.
Tim said:
“CycleWight valued the opportunity to present its view on how to improve the way people can move around Newport in a more sustainable way. The parish council should be congratulated on organising such an event.”
Bill Murphy, Head of Contracts Management at the Isle of Wight Council, provided information on the planned highway infrastructure improvements to St. Mary’s roundabout and the public consultation, which begins on 24 January.
The final speaker was Ian Boyd of ARC Consulting who presented on the Shaping Newport project – a 3-month project jointly funded by the Isle of Wight Council, Newport Business Association and Newport Parish Council – to gather the views of residents to help shape Newport in the future and deliver improvements to the county town.
Cllr Jones-Evans said:
“Thank you to everyone who gave up their Saturday to discuss and hear about the current state of getting around Newport. The pedestrian audit and cycling permeability study are vital pieces of work and evidence bases on which to create long-term solutions.
“Shaping Newport will be the vehicle that will allow implementation of these various improvements and through partnership working between Isle of Wight Council and Newport Parish Council.”
To view the results of the 20mph survey and to see a recording of the entire event, visit Newport Parish Council’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newportwight.
