There’s been some confusion flying around the Isle of Wight about the traffic restrictions near the Bestival site.
It’s been reported that no traffic, other than ‘event traffic’, will be able to use several of the roads near the site. This, according to the IW council, is incorrect.
Expect delays on roads around the site
From Thursday 8th to Tuesday 13th, as you’d expect, there’ll be delays in the area and some traffic/parking/pedestrian restrictions.
If you normally travel through Downend Road, Mersley Downs Road, Briddlesford Road, Long Lane or the A3056 Sandown Road you are “strongly advised to use an alternative route if possible during this period.”
No waiting traffic order
A temporary 30mph speed limit and 24 hour no-waiting highway clearway order (which means you’ll be towed if you park there) will be in operation in;
Downend Road, Briddlesford Road, Mersley Downs Road (from Downend Road to near Rowlands Lane), in Long Lane (from Newport to Robin Hill Roundabout), in A3056 Arreton Street/Sandown Road from Arreton Village to near Merstone Lane and in part of Merstone Lane and Burnt House Lane.
Parking information
As usual, parking for all those arriving by car will be situated off Mersley Downs Road just over a mile Brading side of the junction with Downend Road (at the entrance to Duxmore Farm) and will be clearly signposted.
As with previous years, temporary traffic lights will be in operation when required at the entrance to the Bestival event car park and the entrance to the event bus station from the morning on Thursday 8th until early evening on Monday 12 September.
Pedestrian access
Pedestrians will not be permitted to walk along Mersley Down Road (from Downend Road to Rowlands Lane), Downland Way (the footpath adjacent to Mersley Down Road) and Newport Shute during the same times.
The diversion route is using Public Footpath R14, Rowlands Lane, Lime Kiln Shute, Mersley Lane, Public Bridleways NC6, A9, A17 & A9, Public Footpaths A13, A12 & Downend Road.
Footpaths and Bridleways
Public Footpaths and Bridleways in the Downend and Mersley Downs Area will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians in the interests of public safety during the Bestival music event from 7am on Monday 5 until approx 4pm on Friday 16 September 2011.
Public Bridleways N18/N20/N90, Arreton will be closed from near Station Road (Havenstreet) to Mersley Down Road.
Public Footpath R14 & Bridleways N91 / N154, Arreton will be closed from Public Footpath R15 to the junction with Public Bridleways N90 / N20.
Public Bridleways N19/N155 will also be closed between Bridlesford Road and Combley Farm.
Post-event restrictions
Following the event there will be some road closures in place to allow for traffic to leave the site.
From approximately 9am until 6pm on Monday 12 September, Mersley Down Road will be closed from Downend Road to Rowlands Lane and Downend Road will be closed in a northbound direction from Arreton Cross to Mersley Down Road. Diversions will be signposted.
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Image: Adrian Short under CC BY 2.0
