Roads Crisis Dominates Voter Concerns Ahead Of Isle Of Wight Council Elections

The condition of the Isle of Wight’s roads — and the disruption caused by ongoing works — has emerged as a defining issue for voters ahead of next month’s local elections, according to a BBC report.

Major schemes, including those at Fairlee Road in Newport and Horsebridge Hill between Cowes and Newport, have led to lengthy diversions and significant delays in recent months, fuelling widespread frustration among motorists and businesses alike.

While residents cite the rising cost of living and ferry prices as key pressures, many say the timing and coordination of roadworks and closures are their most immediate concern.

All 39 seats on Isle of Wight Council will be contested on 7 May.

The authority is currently led by the Alliance Group — a coalition of independents and Green councillors.

Council leader Phil Jordan acknowledged the scale of public concern, saying he shares frustrations and has raised them with Island Roads, the company responsible for maintaining the Island’s highways since 2013.

“We need better coordination,” he said, adding that greater oversight is also required from central government regarding the powers granted to utility companies to close roads.

He pledged to prioritise improvements if re-elected.

Deputy leader Andrew Garratt, of the Liberal Democrats, warned that poorly managed roadworks were making daily life “extremely challenging” and damaging trade for local businesses.

He called for a more joined-up approach between the council, contractors, developers and utility firms.

Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Bill Nigh said his party would revisit the agreement and seek greater councillor involvement in decisions over major closures.

Labour’s Jock Rafferty said tackling transport issues would be a central priority, describing the current situation as “gridlocked” and restrictive to movement across the Island.

Chris Jarman, representing the Empowering Islanders group, warned that roadworks were having a “devastating effect” on traffic flow, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with local routes, as well as on businesses.

Green Party councillor Claire Critchison said she fully understood public frustration, noting that widespread closures in recent weeks had made everyday travel “complicated” and, at times, stressful.

Island Roads has previously defended its scheduling, stating that works were deliberately concentrated earlier in the year to minimise disruption during the busy summer season.

It added that the closure of Fairlee Road was necessary to facilitate significant water and sewerage upgrades, acknowledging that “some disruption is unfortunately inevitable.”