Festival Traffic Changes Begin Ahead Of Isle Of Wight Festival

Motorists are being advised to plan ahead as temporary traffic measures come into force ahead of this year's Isle of Wight Festival.

From lunchtime on Wednesday 17 June, a one-way system will be introduced on Fairlee Road in Newport to help manage increased traffic heading to Seaclose Park.

The route into Newport will remain open, while the southbound lane out of the town will be closed, with traffic diverted via Staplers Road.

The arrangement is expected to remain in place until the afternoon of Monday 22 June.

Fairlee Road will also be closed southbound each night after the festival to allow pedestrians to leave the site safely.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area between 9pm and 2am, although timings may vary depending on crowd movements.

Restrictions will also be in place on Halberry Lane, Cross Lane, Mayfield Drive and Fairmount Drive, which will be closed as through routes except for permit holders and exempt vehicles.

Access to Newport Quay and the Riverside Centre will be maintained during the day, although some restrictions will apply, particularly during the evenings.

Festival traffic arriving via East Cowes, Fishbourne and Yarmouth will be directed along designated routes to the event car parks, with drivers advised to follow official signage.

The Isle of Wight Council is warning that delays are most likely on Wednesday as traffic management measures are introduced and motorists adjust to the revised arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Cowes Floating Bridge will operate extended hours throughout the festival weekend, with late-night sailings running until after midnight on several days.

Residents are being encouraged to follow traffic updates through local media, social media and official transport providers throughout the event.

Further information about road closures, diversions and service changes is available on the Isle of Wight Council's dedicated festival webpages.