Isle of Wight Council’s Island Transport Plan (ITP) is now moving into its 15-year implementation phase following approval by councillors last month. This comes after a successful public consultation exercise during the Autumn 2025.
What the plan sets out to achieve
The newly approved 130-page ITP aims to support local economic growth by improving transport connections to help boost regeneration and job creation as well as strengthening transport integration to support the tourism economy.
Ensuring transport is affordable is also emphasised in the plan – a measure that gained significant backing from the public during consultation. As might be expected, the consultation confirmed that primary barrier to more cross-Solent travel is price, with 82% suggesting there should be more affordable ticketing options.
The public consultation also saw:
- 66% of respondents highlighting the need for better footpaths and cycle routes.
- 58% saw the need for better connections between public transport modes – for example when changing between bus and rail or bus and ferry.
- 85% of respondents thought it was important that transport infrastructure protects the Island’s natural and historic environment
- 81% think developer contributions should be used to improve sustainable travel options
- There was significant support for sustainable tourism – 82% of respondents said visitors should be encouraged to visit without a car. 88% supported promoting cycling, walking routes and scenic public transport for visitors.
- multiple suggestions were received for expanding the railway network
Four objectives and six policy areas
The Island Transport Plan has four key objectives:
- A transport network which produces net zero greenhouse gas emissions and is resilient to the impacts of climate change.
- People and goods can travel sustainably and efficiently to and from, and around the Island, to help grow the local economy.
- An inclusive, accessible, and affordable transport network for all.
- A safe transport network that supports thriving, healthier communities
These objectives will be delivered over six key policy areas:
Accessibility and Safety
The Council will make it easier for people, including those with disabilities and those in rural areas, to use public transport safely and accessibly. Among the commitments made by the council, it will:
- Deliver and build upon the existing Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans
- Enhance and expand the catchment area of e-bike and rental e-scooter hire trial, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT)
The Council will support and promote high quality, reliable, affordable, and connected public transport. Already the council has secured Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) Round 2 funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to help introduce a fleet of zero emission buses and associated depot charging infrastructure in partnership with Southern Vectis (Go South Coast). Further examples of the council’s proposals include:
- improve bus shelter provision particularly in rural areas.
- Work with operators to enhance ticketing compatibility and integration
- Support investigations into the extension of existing rail connections
Behavioural change
Aside from physical changes and improvement to the Island’s infrastructure such as new cycle paths, or footpaths, the Council will need to introduce new policies to support residents, visitors, and goods travel more sustainably and efficiently.
Infrastructure
Reducing congestion helps residents and businesses, improves road safety, and reduces emissions of carbon and other pollutants. Measures such as better traffic management, better road design, use and enforcement of speed limits, real-time traffic monitoring and signage will, in combination, allow the reduction of bottlenecks and the operation of a more efficient road network.
Meanwhile, it is envisaged there will be a significant increase in the number of electric vehicle charging points during the lifetime of the transport plan.
Among other infrastructure proposals, improving pedestrian access in our town centres will encourage more walking.
Land Use Planning
By clustering jobs, homes, schools, healthcare, and retail within accessible, mixed-use developments, vibrant communities where walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport will be convenient choices.
Included within the Land Use Planning policies, the council seeks to support town, neighbourhood and village regeneration, co-ordinating transport and public realm upgrades with the Island’s Regeneration Strategy (e.g. Heritage Action Zones, East Cowes infrastructure, Medina Valley proposals) to strengthen centres, unlock housing on brownfield/car park sites, and boost local prosperity.
Sustainable tourism
To enhance sustainable transport options to support tourism, several interventions are needed. These include:
- The development more integrated visitor products: Travel + attractions/ event tickets with key partners (e.g., Cowes Week, Walking Festival, Ventnor Fringe), bundled in itineraries that start at Mainland rail/ coach gateways and continue seamlessly on Island Public Transport or on to walking and cycling options
- Facilitation an EV car club aimed at the tourist market
- Work with the ferry operators to offer better pricing options for cycling and walking holidays.
Technology
Reducing the need to travel remains the most effective lever for cutting transport emissions on the Isle of Wight. A digital-first approach is needed enabling remote working, online shopping, telehealth, e-library services, virtual learning, and digital civic participation—so residents and visitors can access services without unnecessary trips.
Key commitments across the Island
There are more than 100 further policies contained within the ITP.
The ITP also contains an Implementation and delivery route map, containing short term (up to 2030) medium term (2031-2035) and long term (2036-2040) actions
Short term includes investment in measures that encourage walking and cycling; improving public transport; and encouraging more people to use electric vehicles.
Medium term includes delivering measures that will most effectively reduce transport carbon emissions for the Island;
Amongst long term measures are sustainably managed electric vehicle journeys.
What the council leader says
In the forward to the Island Transport Plan, leader of the Council Phil Jordan said,
“Being an island brings limits on connectivity, and many communities are rural and harder to reach.
“At the same time, there are real opportunities to improve how people travel and to do things better and more sustainably.
“By improving connections across the Island and beyond, the Council wants to support local jobs and businesses, reduce isolation, and help people live healthier lives.”
Councillor Jordan added that input from the local community during the public consultation has helped ensure the document focuses on what matters most,
“The result is a practical and realistic approach to transport that supports the Island’s economy, protects its environment, and works for the people who live here”.
Background information:
- The full Island Transport Plan and supporting documents can be found at Island Transport Plan – Isle of Wight
- The ITP is the Council’s version of a Local Transport Plan, statutory document created by every local authority that sets out strategies for managing, maintaining, and improving transport infrastructure, such as roads, public transport, walking, and cycling networks.
- In total, the consultation received 458 responses, of which 425 were submitted via the consultation Response Form, and 33 as unstructured responses via email. Comments were also recorded from 77 contributors at the eight public events held between September and November 2025.
- The consultation for contained 77 questions.
- Around 21% of households do not have access to a car, and are dependent on other modes such as public transport, or active travel modes.
- Approximately 14–15% of Isle of Wight residents commute on foot as their main mode of travel. This is significantly higher than the national average (around 10%) due to the Island’s compact towns and in some cases limited public transport options.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
