This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council is restricting access for vehicles at Hillside in Newport to improve safety for pedestrians using Newport Quay.
Hillside is the area that links Newport Quay to Fairlee Road and access is controlled by a barrier. Due to the danger posed to pedestrians by an increasing number of drivers using the route as a short cut and the overall condition of the harbour surface which is not part of the highway, a new barrier will be installed at the end of March and this will then be permanently locked from 7 April.
It will be opened during emergencies, and emergency service vehicles will also have access to open the barrier when required. Once the new barrier is in place, signage will also be installed on both Newport Quay and on Fairlee Road advising motorists that Hillside is no longer a thoroughfare for vehicles.
Currently, the barrier allowing vehicle access is opened between 8am and 4pm each weekday other than Tuesday when it is closed all day due to the Newport market. It is closed at weekends.
Image: © Google Streetview
