Backlash Grows Over Proposed Island Parking Charges

Opposition is mounting to proposals by Isle of Wight Council to introduce new and extended parking charges across the Island.

A Change.org petition opposing the plans has attracted almost 3,000 signatures, while members of the Alliance group have publicly distanced themselves from the proposals.

The Conservative group has also criticised the measures, describing them as “unfair” and “short-sighted”.

The charges form part of County Hall’s draft budget, which officers have described as the most challenging in a decade. The council is facing a £20 million structural deficit for 2026/27, with parking changes included in a package of proposed savings totalling £6.3 million.

Under the plans, new fees would be introduced in areas including Union Street in Ryde, Crocker Street in Newport, Sandown High Street and Regent Street in Shanklin.

On-street charges are also proposed for St James Street in Newport, Egypt Esplanade in Cowes and Princes Esplanade in Gurnard.

In addition, ‘pay and display’ parking could be brought in at Fort Victoria Country Park.

Councillor Mark Jefferies, Alliance independent member for Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch, said on social media that he does not support the charges and made his position clear when first made aware of the plans.

He added that no member of the Alliance backs the proposals and said amendments are being prepared ahead of the full council meeting on Wednesday (25 February), when the budget will be presented.

Councillor Claire Critchison, a Green Party member of the Alliance, has also urged residents to sign the petition, describing the proposal as “destructive”.

She said high streets and local businesses need more support, not less, and argued public spaces should remain accessible to all Islanders.

The petition, titled ‘Stop further parking charges on the Isle of Wight’, was launched by Adam Provis.

It claims free parking is a key attraction for tourists and an important part of daily life for residents.

It argues that introducing charges in busy areas could harm footfall and negatively impact both businesses and commuters, calling on the council to reconsider and engage with the community to find a solution that supports economic growth and wellbeing.

Mark Horton, owner of French Franks, said he was “existentially concerned” about the potential impact.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he said businesses are already facing rising employment and tax costs and warned that any reduction in footfall could threaten jobs.

Mr Horton said the estimated £160,000 annual revenue from the charges represents less than 0.1 per cent of the £20 million shortfall, arguing it would make little material difference to the council’s finances while potentially harming town centres — particularly Ryde, which he said benefits from accessible short-stay parking.

In its budget report, the council says the scale of savings required is being driven by its financial distress and the need to seek “In Principle” approval from government for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).

EFS allows struggling local authorities, with government agreement, to use measures such as borrowing, capital budgets or asset sales to help fund day-to-day spending.

The full budget is due to be debated by councillors this week.