There has been a mounting backlash to Isle of Wight Council proposals to introduce extra parking charges across the Island.
Protesting plans for new fees in several locations, a change.org petition has reached almost 3,500 signatures and councillors from the Alliance group have joined calls to scrap them.
The Conservative group last week denounced the measures as ‘unfair’ and ‘short-sighted’.
£20m structural deficit
County Hall’s proposed budget, which has been described by officers as the ‘most challenging’ in ten years, comes as the local authority faces a £20m Structural Deficit for 2026/27.
Its parking policies are among a raft of proposed savings totalling £6.3m, with a council report on the budget citing the local authority’s ‘financial distress’.
New parking charges
They include the introduction of fees at spots such as Union Street in Ryde, Crocker Street in Newport, Sandown High Street and Shanklin’s Regent Street.
On street charges have also been proposed for St James Street in Newport, Egypt Esplanade in Cowes and Princes Esplanade in Gurnard.
There is in addition a proposal for ‘pay and display’ parking at Fort Victoria Country Park.
Jefferies: No member of the Alliance is in favour of these parking charges
Councillor Mark Jefferies, Alliance independent representative for Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch, posted on social media,
“I do not support these parking charges. When I first learned about the proposals which was only a few weeks ago, I made it perfectly clear I would not support it.
“As we all know, with the upcoming election, misinformation is likely to spread. I want to reassure you no member of the Alliance is in favour of these parking charges.
“Our biggest oversight has maybe been not communicating this to you sooner. We are currently preparing amendments for the full council meeting on Wednesday (25th February 2026) where the budget will be presented.”
Critchison: Sign the petition
Councillor Claire Critchison, a Green Party member of the Alliance, also signalled her opposition online, urging residents to sign the petition to “remove” the “destructive” proposal.
She said,
“Our high streets and local businesses need more support from councils, not less. Public spaces should be accessible for all Islanders, not just those who can afford it.”
The petition
The petition, ‘stop further parking charges on the Isle of Wight’, was started by Adam Provis.
It says free parking is a major attraction for tourists and an essential part of everyday life for residents. It says,
“Charging for parking in such bustling and popular areas is a short-term economic strategy that could lead to long-term harm.
“Residents and business owners alike have raised concerns, pointing out the potential decrease in visitor numbers and the inconvenience it poses for locals who commute regularly.”
The appeal adds that by signing, the public can send a clear message to the council that it must reconsider and engage with the community to find a solution which supports economic growth and Islanders’ wellbeing.
Horton: People will not stop as often or without very good reason
Mark Horton, owner of French Franks, said he was “existentially concerned” about the charges.
He said,
“We are already battling serious increases in employment and other taxes, the very last thing we need is reduction in footfall.
“We employ 50 people, flexible local jobs and an entry point for so many careers over the years as well as our key long service team, those very jobs so much in the news as missing opportunities for young people.
“Of course we know the council is in an impossible position. However, the mooted potential revenue at £160,000 across the Island is not even 0.1 per cent of the £20m shortfall – it will make no material difference but the effect on the towns is tangible and counter productive, less viable businesses or reduced employees needing council support will more than wipe out the additional income.
“We are especially concerned for Ryde – it has a comparative vibrancy precisely because you can park short term.”
He said that faced with high Isle of Wight parking charges, people will not stop as often or without very good reason.
IWC: Council facing financial distress
County Hall’s budget report says,
“Whilst the savings proposals are aligned with the Corporate Plan and Medium-Term Financial Strategy, the extent of the necessary savings for 2026/27 is being driven by the financial distress facing the council and the need to make an application to government for an “In Principle” decision for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).
“As in previous years, the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) has advocated an ‘Avoidance to Cuts’ approach wherever possible. The proposed savings, as far as possible in an EFS environment, have continued to maximise this approach with a very strong emphasis on efficiency and income generation.”
EFS is a key source of funding for financially distressed local authorities and gives councils central government permission to use capital budgets, borrowing or asset sales to fund day-to-day spending, according to the Institute for Government.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
