The twelve-week public consultation on Isle of Wight Council’s draft Island Transport Plan (ITP) has been launched today. The document outlines the Island’s transport priorities from 2025 to 2040.
The plan is part of a national requirement for Local Transport Authorities to have a Local Transport Plan in place.
Highlights
The plan highlights include:
- supporting healthier communities through safer and more travel options
- a transport network that reduces environmental impact
- the importance of adapting to climate change
The ITP also includes objectives such as supporting local economic growth, improving air quality and travel efficiency, and making transport more inclusive and affordable.
Other improvements
Among the proposals are improvements to rural bus shelters, simplified ticketing across different modes of transport, and the rollout of real-time information across the network.
The plan also supports enhancements at ferry terminals and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Funding secured
The council has already secured £13.6 million in Levelling Up funding for walking, cycling, and public transport improvements, and £2.1 million from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund for the A3056 between Newport and Lake.
Drop-in
Isle of Wight Council has organised seven drop-in events across the Island:
- Monday 15th September – Riverside Centre, Newport – 3.30pm to 6.30pm
- Tuesday 16th September – East Cowes Town Hall – 11am to 2pm
- Wednesday 17th September – Freshwater Memorial Hall – 11am to 2pm
- Monday 6th October – Aspire Ryde – 3:30pm to 6:30pm
- Thursday 9th October – Cowes Community Club – 3:30pm to 6:30pm
- Tuesday 4th November – Salisbury Gardens, Ventnor – 11am to 2pm
- Thursday 6th November – Sandown Methodist Church – 11:30am to 2:30pm
Online events
In addition, there are two online events for those unable to make the drop-ins:
- Wednesday 8th October 10:00am -11:30am
- Monday 3rd November 5pm – 6:30pm
These events will give Islanders the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the Island Transport Plan with Council Officers.
Chandler: Inclusive transport system that enables a low-carbon, safe, prosperous and healthy future for all
Stewart Chandler, Isle of Wight Council’s Transport Strategy Manager said,
“The way we travel affects almost every part of Island life; from job opportunities and access to healthcare, to the air we breathe and the safety of our streets. Our Island Transport Plan addresses today’s urgent challenges: congestion, climate change, accessibility, health inequalities, while planning for tomorrow’s opportunities in technology, tourism and sustainable growth”
“Our Vision, as we work towards 2040, is to have an inclusive transport system that enables a low-carbon, safe, prosperous and healthy future for all residents and visitors; and seeks to protect and enhance the Island’s unique local, natural and built environment.”
Don’t miss the deadline
The closing date for public comment is 24th November 2025. Once responses have been considered, the final version of the plan will be published in early 2026 and will be submitted to the Department for Transport for approval.
Further details of the Island Transport Plan including the online consultation survey can be found here:
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
