Islanders driving on major roads into Newport this morning (and for the next week) may experience some delay to their journey by being stopped and surveyed.
The PFI contractor, Island Roads, has commissioned Nationwide Data Collection to conduct a survey on their behalf and Island police are being paid to ensure road safety is maintained.
Understanding travel patterns
Kevin Burton, Network Manager for Island Roads said “We will be conducting surveys across the Island, to understand the travel patterns of people on the Isle of Wight.
“The information received will allow us to work with the Isle of Wight Council to model the future transport provision needs for the Island.”
Road side interviews at five sites
Mr Burton went on to say, “The survey will focus on travel around the Newport area, covering traffic counts, origination and destination surveys and journey times. We will cover interviews at ferry terminals as well as road side interview surveys at five sites and three sites by Postal Questionnaires because of the site difficulties.
“The surveys are due to start on 24th April and will be completed on 1st May 2013.”
Police involvement
Hampshire constabulary confirm that they are being paid to ensure traffic safety
A spokesperson from the police says, “Whilst officers have a legal duty to deal with any offences that arise from vehicles or occupants being asked to take part in the survey, the police are not using the operation as a tactic to stop motorists randomly for criminal checks.
“Officers from across Hampshire Constabulary have been employed for the survey. Please note our charges are strictly within national ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) guidelines and we do not make a profit. Costs have been agreed in advance. Figures may be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act if an application is made.”
They confirm that regular and routine policing of the Isle of Wight is not affected by the survey.
Image: Highway Patrol Images under CC BY 2.0
