Councillor Slams ‘Ridiculous’ Number Of Road Closures Across Isle Of Wight

A parish councillor has criticised what he described as a “ridiculous” number of road closures across the Isle of Wight, claiming there were 37 in place on a single day.

Speaking at a public meeting in Whitwell Village Hall, Councillor Brin Martin said he encountered multiple closures while travelling from Niton to Ventnor — including a roundabout with “no exits”.

Frustrated by the situation, he submitted a Freedom of Information request to Isle of Wight Council to establish how many closures were in place on April 20.

He said the response revealed 30 planned closures, six unplanned, and one that was not in operation.

Councillor Martin also questioned how many staff were working on the schemes and how many sets of temporary traffic lights were in use — but claims neither the council nor Island Roads could provide that information.

“They said they don’t hold it,” he told the meeting.

“I’ve gone back to them but it feels like flogging a dead horse — how can you not know who’s working on your roads? You have to pay them.

“It is frustrating. We know work needs to be done, but the number of closures is just ridiculous.”

Also speaking at the meeting, Green Party councillor for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, Claire Critchison, said she had received “a lot” of feedback from residents about ongoing roadworks.

She said while improvements to infrastructure are necessary, the combination of poor weather earlier in the year and efforts to complete works ahead of the summer season had led to widespread disruption.

“The last few weeks have seen almost everywhere on the Island affected,” she said, adding that further short-term closures are still expected for additional works.

Island Roads has been approached for comment.