Last summer (July 2017) the road layout and relocation of the shelter for foot passengers by the East Cowes terminal of the Cowes Floating Bridge received a great deal of criticism after photos and video of an articulated lorry struggling to get around the junction were published.
The problem of lorries coming down the road approaching the floating bridge and taking the right-hand lane instead of the left-hand lane is nothing new. This latest incident resulted in the driver of the lorry hitting the shelter and damaging his front bumper (see the photos below).
A weekly problem
According to Allan Marsh who lives within sight of the junction (and took the photos) it’s something that happens on a weekly basis and has been for a very long time.
Allan explains that by posting the photos on social media it was not a dig at the driver, but instead,
“A comment on the state of the junction and the need for something to be done sooner rather than later.”
He’s sent photos to Cabinet member for transport, Cllr Ian Ward and will let you know what he hears back.
Risk to pedestrians
As well as the problem of lorries getting stuck, concerns have been raised about pedestrian safety many times, especially since foot passengers waiting for the bridge (in the new position to the north of the slipway) are now closer to the lorries struggling to get around the corner and having to mount the pavement.
OnTheWight has written to Isle of Wight council to ask whether the road layout will be re-assessed and when.
Click on image to see larger version
Images: © With kind permission of Allan Marsh
