The CEO of Visit Isle of Wight, Dominic Wray, has issued a stark warning over the impact of roadworks disruption, saying the Island’s economy is being put at risk.
Dominic has written to Island Roads calling for immediate intervention, citing what he describes as a growing crisis caused by poorly coordinated works and road closures across the Isle of Wight.
Writing on behalf of Visit Isle of Wight and the wider business community, he has raised concerns about what is said to be significant and measurable financial damage to local businesses.
In his letter, Dominic Wray has said:
“The economic stakes could not be higher.
“The Isle of Wight’s economy is uniquely dependent on accessibility. When roads become inaccessible, the entire economic ecosystem is placed at risk – and that is exactly what is happening now.”
Tourism is a major driver of the Isle of Wight economy, contributing more than £500 million each year and attracting around 2 million visitors annually. The sector accounts for around a quarter of local jobs and economic output.
Businesses across the Island are reporting the effects of ongoing disruption. One business has reported losses exceeding £1,500 in a single week, while hospitality venues have described empty tables, cancelled bookings and a drop in passing trade.
In some cases, short journeys of just a few miles are said to be taking up to 90 minutes due to diversions and road closures.
New businesses are said to be among the hardest hit. One restaurant, open for just 10 weeks, has reported a sharp decline in bookings following nearby works, raising concerns about cash flow.
Dominic has warned the issue is widespread, adding:
“This is a pattern – and it is getting worse.
“The time for correspondence is over.
“We are seeking a meeting within the next ten working days and expect to see clear commitments – not just assurances.”
Concerns have also been raised by local councillors about disruption across the road network and its impact on residents and services. The response from Island Roads has been described as insufficient given the scale of the problem.
A lack of coordination and communication has been identified as a key issue, with multiple projects taking place at the same time on key routes. Businesses say they are receiving little advance warning, limited signage indicating they remain open and no clear point of contact.
Visit Isle of Wight is now calling for urgent action, including the creation of a formal communication channel with businesses within 14 days.
A full review of current and planned roadworks has also been requested within 30 days, alongside better coordination to avoid simultaneous closures on key routes.
The organisation is also seeking direct engagement with senior leaders at Island Roads and greater transparency around how decisions are made.
The Isle of Wight has a resident population of around 145,000, alongside a visitor economy that welcomes millions each year, making reliable transport infrastructure vital for both businesses and communities.
With no disrespect to the CEO I think many people on the island could see that all the roadworks on major routes would impact on business. It also impacts on the hospital, people trying to carry out daily tasks and also visitors.
At last someone is trying to do something. It’s getting beyond ridiculous. Wouldn’t be quite so bad if when you go through some of these roadworks there were actually people working. 9 times out of 10 there are either no workmen to be seen or there are numerous workmen standing around looking at a hole in the road. It’s about IR we’re held to account
It’s not the roadworks it’s the ferry prices and 2 Labour
budgets that are too blame.
Tourists / holidaymakers would not be aware of road works
being carried out until arriving on the island.
And the roadworks,why would you undertake a journey which should take 30 mins,and be stuck for 120 mins in traffic as one family were to our own tourist business?unless you are a secret mole for IR Mr eie..or perhaps the chairman of Island roads who is so scared he may bump into real people when on the Island he travels the roads(when open(!at night with a local taxi firm it’s a standing joke with them!.
It has turned me off driving anywhere.
I forgot what Newport looks like thesedays
with all the roadworks going to Newport it’s a
NO go zone.
How long before the Council introduce a congestion
charge going into Newport.
THEY HAVE MADE THE CONGESTION
Pallance road to be closed for 11 days soon ..so that’s good then..
Well after being on the island last week I was so fed up with road closures and poor signage we went on a boat home a day earlier ,examples
Try and get from freshwater to Yarmouth,we face up
Shanklln to Upper Ventnor ,why no sign at Shanklin Old Village junction telling you of road closure in Wroxhall ? We went to whitely bank had to turn round and go back
8 mile diversion in Chale to get to the IoW Pearl ,we gave up
it’s not good enough to just say Road Closed ,signage is pathetic as is our opinion of island roads . I am an Islander living on the mainland ,and won’t pay the huge red funnel car charges again until it’s a pleasure to visit
I hope this gets sorted because there are plenty of coastal places on the mainland to visit
It won’t it’s dreadful..
Problem is, with the exception of Councillor Knocka Dore, none of these paper tigers want to reject the PFI in its entirety.
It is totally one-sided in favour of Island Roads that they can and DO exactly as they like when and where they want.
Look at what they did to Wroxall – closed it for THREE months.
Same with Leeson Road and Upper Ventnor.
Then there was the fiasco in Binstead, Firestone Copse and many, many other sites.
Island Roads should be kicked into touch, but 39 “Councillors” need to do it —–and they WON’T.
Lazy no good sobs who just take the money and screw us over.