Residents in Niton will benefit from safer walking routes this autumn, as new pedestrian crossing points will be introduced at key locations in the village.
A pedestrian accessibility project will introduce two new, clearly defined pedestrian crossing points, allowing residents to safely walk across Rectory Road near the bus stop, and across Church Street.
Two new crossing points for the village
These improvements will make crossing points more visible to drivers, reduce the distance pedestrians need to cross, and improve safety in areas with higher footfall, including around local facilities and routes used by families and school pupils.
The pedestrian accessibility scheme has been specifically designed to improve access to local shops, services and public transport, while also making it easier and safer for people to walk through the village.
Works timetable
Improvements are planned to be carried out from Monday 12th to Friday 23rd October 2026, with dates specifically selected to ensure the works do not overlap with carriageway resurfacing closures in Godshill.
To safely install these enhancements, the works will be completed in three phases, which will each bring temporary closures for the safety of drivers, pedestrians and the workforce.
Phase one: Rectory Road crossing (12th–16th October)
The first phase will see the crossing on Rectory Road near the bus stop being installed. This will take place between 12th to 16th October 2026.
During this time, Rectory Road will be closed at its junction with High Street, meaning that traffic coming from Whitwell will not be able to enter Niton via this road.
Traffic to and from Whitwell will need to use the clear signposted route through Godshill, Rookley, Chale Green and Chale. Drivers looking to head from Chale to Whitwell will also need to use the diversion as Rectory Road will not be open as a through route.
Depending on traffic volumes, two-way lights may also be in place at the junction between Church Street and Newport Road, if required.
Phase two: footway improvements by the supermarket (19th–20th October)
The second phase of works will see footway enhancements outside of the local supermarket to improve pedestrian accessibility.
This will be carried out from 19th to 20th October. During this time, Newport Road will be closed at its junction with Church Street.
Parking will also be suspended on a section of Church Street for this time. This parking suspension is essential to keep traffic moving in the village and the workforce and public safe.
Phase three: Church Street crossing (21st–23rd October)
The final phase will see a pedestrian crossing installed on Church Street. This will take place between 21st to 23rd October.
While this takes place, the existing one-way system on Star Inn Road, Blackgang Road and High Street will be temporarily suspended. The roads will become two-way and will instead be controlled by multi-way traffic lights.
Parking will also be suspended on a section of High Street and Blackgang Road. These temporary changes will ensure that no wider diversion route is required and is essential for keeping traffic moving in the village and avoiding congestion.
These closures will be in place 24/7 for the safety of drivers and the workforce, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.
A 6’6” width restriction will also be placed on Blackgang Road and Church Street for the duration of the works. This is because there will not be enough room for larger vehicles to safely pass through the worksites.
Parking, access and width restrictions
Some temporary changes to traffic flow will be introduced during the duration of the works to avoid long diversions, reduce congestion and keep drivers moving through the village.
Temporary parking restrictions will be in place on Church Street and Blackgang Road to help maintain clear and safe routes for both vehicles and pedestrians.
However, the car park for Norris Stores will remain open during the entirety of the works.
What the council says
Councillor Claire Critchison, councillor for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, said,
“Safety is always our number one priority, and improving pedestrian access in Niton village is something that has been raised many times by people at community meetings and parish council surveys.”
For further information including FAQs, please visit the website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
