There will need to be ‘meaningful consultation’ before major roadworks begin, the Isle of Wight Council agreed last night.
A ‘consultation first’ principle for major Isle of Wight roadworks will be set in place following a vote on Wednesday evening (16th September 2026).
What was agreed
Full council passed a proposal to adopt a policy requiring ‘meaningful consultation’ with councillors, town and parish councils, as well as affected local businesses and residents before scheduled project plans are finalised.
Ongoing engagement required
Another agreed requirement is for ‘continuous engagement’ during the lifetime of the works.
Reopening roads between works
Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Stuart’s motion also sets a clear expectation that Island Roads, utility companies and contractors must safely reopen roads, or reduce traffic management restrictions during periods when work is not actively taking place.
The motion
The Council Notes:
- The significant disruption caused to residents, commuters, emergency services, and the local economy by major poorly managed and apparently uncoordinated road closures across the Island.
- That critical works by the Council via Island Roads, and utility companies are essential. However the impact on our communities, businesses and individuals is made worse when communication is late, diversions are inadequate, work appears uncoordinated, and the default approach appears as convenience for the operator not public inconvenience.
- The positive commitments made by the Council at the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee in March 2026 (via Question MQ 14/26) regarding early ward councillor engagement and the use of multi-agency project groups.
- That despite these commitments, recent large-scale closures demonstrate that a robust, formalised, and consistent approach to public and stakeholder consultation is urgently required.
- To note the commitment arising from the recent meeting of Southern Water with councillors that Southern Water entirely agreed with the need to coordinate major works and would use their senior contacts with the various organisations and utilities to facilitate such coordination.
The Council Resolves:
- To set in place a”Consultation First” Principle: The Council formally adopts a policy requiring meaningful consultation with ward councillors, town and parish councils, and affected local businesses and residents before major scheduled project plans are finalised, and continuous engagement during the lifetime of the works; that those projects scheduled be reported to the committee on a quarterly basis at the earliest time of their becoming known to Island Roads or Isle of Wight Council; and that any planning application given approval in which major highways works are expected be considered for consultation as a priority.
- To Update Operational Expectations: To set a clear expectation that Island Roads, utility companies and contractors must safely reopen roads, or reduce traffic management restrictions, during periods when work is not actively taking place.
- To Establish a Scrutiny Framework: To direct the Economy, Regeneration, Transport, and Infrastructure Committee to establish a dedicated sub-committee or “Task and Finish” working group to review current highway management powers, explore best practices from other local authorities, and formulate a stricter, multi-agency code of practice for the Isle of Wight.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
