Hundreds Of Islanders Share Views On Major Transport Plan Shift

Hundreds of Islanders have had their say on the future of transport on the Isle of Wight, as the council’s latest strategy moves a step closer to adoption.

Island Transport Plan 4 (ITP 4) represents what the council describes as a “major shift” in approach, placing greater emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport, while reducing reliance on cars.

Following a public consultation and a vote by County Hall’s Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee (ERTIC), the final draft of ITP 4 has been recommended to full council.

The decision was carried, though it divided the committee, with six councillors voting in favour and three against.

Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Stuart described the draft as a “comprehensive document” and praised the council for carrying out an “excellent consultation exercise”, saying it drew in an “enormous” amount of public input.

However, Conservative councillor Ed Blake, who voted against the plan, said it was not currently “worth the paper it is written on” and argued it failed to explain how the Island’s transport problems would actually be resolved.

The plan states that the council will work closely with bus, rail and ferry operators, alongside sustainable transport groups, the NHS, public and private sectors, and voluntary organisations, to encourage people to switch from car use to walking, cycling and public transport.

Key aims of ITP 4 include creating a transport network that produces net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainable and efficient travel for people and goods, boosting local economic growth, and improving affordability, accessibility and safety.

A total of 458 responses were received during the public consultation, with a council report stating the feedback showed “overwhelming support” for the plan.

Introducing the final draft, Isle of Wight Council transport strategy manager Stewart Chandler said priorities had been adjusted since the original draft was produced in 2022.

He said:

“The original draft was put together when the impacts of the pandemic and climate change were at the front of our priorities.

"While climate impact remains within the document, Covid-19 is now less of a priority, as travel patterns have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels.”

Mr Chandler added that economic development and growth had become a stronger focus within the plan.

Empowering Islanders councillor Chris Jarman also voted against the plan.

While acknowledging the work involved, he said it lacked a “simple Gantt chart and a list of deliverables” to clearly show what it would achieve and when.

Independent councillor David Adams said ITP 4 appeared to be a “real demonisation of the motorist” and questioned whether the consultation responses were representative of the wider Island population.

ERTIC Alliance chair Julie Jones-Evans described the plan as “very good”, adding:

“There’s no stone that hasn’t been unturned in preparing this document.”

ITP 4 states it aims to avoid unnecessary travel, encourage a shift away from motorised vehicles, and better manage demand for road space, rather than simply increasing capacity for car use.

The plan will be considered by the full Isle of Wight Council when it meets on February 25.