Isle of Wight residents have slammed the "absolutely diabolical" handling of traffic management as lengthy delays between Cowes and Newport continue this afternoon (Monday).
*Updated*
As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, the closure of Rolls Hill - coupled with the suspension of the Cowes to East Cowes Floating Bridge and works at St Mary's Roundabout - has caused chaos this morning.
Island Roads says tree cutting works are to blame for the closure of Rolls Hill. They say they expect them to be complete by 3.30pm.
Tree safety work at Rolls Hill will be completed today by 3.30pm by which time the road will be re-opened. This work was required to keep the network safe but we have put in extra resource to ensure it completes today. Apologies for inconvenience.
— Island Roads (@IslandRoads) August 3, 2020
In the meantime, Isle of Wight Radio listeners are reporting delays of up to an hour and a half.
It has had a knock on effect for a number of Islanders needing to travel through Newport.
Isle of Wight driving school, 1to1 School of Motoring, says the tailbacks has led to lessons being cancelled this afternoon. Adam Ward said:
"We're just trying to recover from lockdown having had four months off and we're now losing money cancelling lessons.
"What we're finding as well is that we have to compensate students. So if we do cancel the lesson we'll owe them for the lesson next time as well, so it's going to cost us twice."
Southern Vectis is also advising of lengthy delays to its number 1 route.
Islanders have taken to social media to share their frustration.
Commenting on Isle of Wight Radio's Facebook post, Susan said:
"Missed my dental appointment. Stuck in traffic from Northwood and hardly moved for half an hour.
"I estimate it would have taken me an hour an a half to get to Newport for appointment so gave up. Absolutely disgusting that so many roads are closed at once!!"
We're expecting an official statement from Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council shortly.
*Updated 15.08pm
*Rolls Hill is now open to traffic, according to Island Roads.
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