New temporary road closures will be in force each evening throughout this year’s Cowes Week, amid growing public safety concerns and new guidance for major events.
The closures, which will be in place from 18:00-01:00 daily, are aimed at protecting pedestrians during one of the busiest weeks in the town’s calendar.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has raised concerns about the volume of people and vehicles sharing the space during peak times, prompting the move.
The closures will affect the following areas:
- Terminus Road will be closed from the Carvel Lane junction. Access will be maintained for residents, buses, taxis and Red Jet customers up to the Carvel Lane/M&S junction
- High Street will be closed to all traffic at both the Red Jet and Market Hill ends
- Market Hill (bottom section) and Bath Road will be closed to all vehicles
- Market Hill will become 2-way to support residents exiting Castle Road
- The Parade will not be accessible to vehicles during closure hours. Residents may access on foot only
- Red Jet Terminal will not be accessible by car between 18:00-01:00. Drop-offs should be made at the Terminus Road/Carvel Lane junction or at the Carvel Lane taxi rank
These measures have always been available under the Cowes Week Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO). However, this year the council is taking a more proactive approach to ensure the continued safety of all residents and visitors during this internationally recognised event.
The arrangements will be monitored and reviewed daily, and adapted as appropriate to ensure they remain effective and proportionate.
Michelle Love, the council’s service director for highways and community protection, says:
“We know these closures will be inconvenient for some, but the safety of residents and visitors must come first.
“The police have made it clear that the risk to pedestrians is increasing, and we are acting on their advice to prevent serious incidents.”
Cowes Week runs from Saturday 2nd August to Friday 8th August and people are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.
Makes a pleasant change. Makes Cowes Week more relatable to the rest of us.
Normally its biggest fear is Terroir offences where a restaurant has mislabeled a Bordeaux as a Burgundy!
Good idea
Many attendees to Cowes week enter by boat.
I don’t think the police will be too concerned with pedestrians sharing the same space as boats…