Shock new parking charges could be introduced by the Isle of Wight Council at a range of sites across the Island, despite warnings of a possible backlash from residents.
The measures are planned for areas including Union Street in Ryde, Sandown’s High Street, Regent Street in Shanklin, Fort Victoria Car Park in Yarmouth and the new Royal Exchange Car Park in Newport, according to a new report.
Report predicts ’emotive campaign’ from businesses
Signed by Simon Moon, strategic director of community services, the paper says business communities in the towns will most likely launch an ‘emotive campaign’ to stop the street charges.
Highly contentious plans to increase and extend parking charges across the Isle of Wight were previously scrapped in the council’s last budget passed in February.
Which car parks and streets are affected?
Ventnor’s High Street and St James’ Street, Crocker Street, Union Street, Terrace Road and St John’s Place in Newport are also included in the fresh proposals.
Charges for currently free car parks
In addition, charges are on the table for sites such as the Wheelers Bay and Eastcliff car parks in Ventnor, St Martin’s Road Car Park in Wroxall, and Warnes Lane Car Park in Brighstone – all currently offering free parking.
Other areas listed include Godshill Car Park, Bouldnor Viewpoint car park in Yarmouth, St Helens Green Car Park, Gurnard seafront and Hope Road in Shanklin.
Objections expected from parish councils and communities
The report says it is likely that ‘vocal arguments’ will be raised against the latter proposals – penalising ‘economically deprived communities’, with St Martin’s Road in Wroxall and Royal Exchange in Newport given as examples.
It says,
“St Helens Parish Council might argue that charging for parking at St Helens Green Car Park is unlawful and Shalfleet Parish Council will expect significant works to be undertaken to tackle vegetation which shrouds the view at present.
“Fort Victoria concession holders will most likely object strenuously.”
What happens next?
The proposed charges, which are subject to consultation, will be considered as part of a host of savings plans coming before the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee (ERTIC).
Mr Moon’s report advises the proposals are agreed for recommendation to the policy, finance and resources committee for adoption in the council’s budget setting processes.
It states the budget setting process continues to be ‘as challenging as ever’ and that the local government climate is one where the pace at which costs rise is not matched by that at which income and funding increases.
ERTIC councillors will discuss the paper next Tuesday (6th October 2026).
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
