Sweeping plans to introduce new parking charges on the Isle of Wight have hit a stumbling block following opposition.
Committee votes against two proposals
County Hall’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee (ERTIC) on Tuesday evening (6th October 2026) voted against moving forward with two controversial proposals to introduce tariffs to a series of streets and car parks across the Island.
The measures were set out in a report from the council’s strategic director of community services, Simon Moon.
Fee increase and EV changes still to be considered
However, it was agreed that another policy – increasing parking fees on both on and off street by 25p per hour – will go forward to be looked at by the policy, finance and resources committee (PFRC) for possible adoption in the council’s budget setting processes.
A proposal to remove free parking for electric vehicles in off-street car parks will also be considered by PFRC.
Where new charges had been planned
New parking tariffs were planned, subject to consultation, for areas including Union Street in Ryde, Sandown High Street, Regent Street in Shanklin, Fort Victoria Car Park in Yarmouth and the new Royal Exchange Car Park in Newport.
Ventnor High Street and St James’ Street, Crocker Street, Union Street, Terrace Road and St John’s Place in Newport were also included.
In addition, charges were 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.
Petition and earlier budget decision
Last night, councillors voted against pressing ahead with the plans.
The decision comes after a petition opposing the charges passed 2,300 signatures.
The ruling echoes the Isle of Wight Council’s scrapping of previous parking fee proposals as part of its last budget, passed in February.
Council’s financial challenge
Mr Moon’s report said the ‘financial challenge’ is the single biggest risk to sustainable public services on the Island.
The paper noted,
“Accordingly, the council needs to resolutely maximise the deployment of the resources that it does have (revenue, capital, property and staff) towards driving additional income/funding and cost savings to secure council services for the future.”
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
