New safety barriers along an ‘iconic and beautiful’ stretch of an Isle of Wight coastal highway have been given the go-ahead.
The council has approved details of a proposed containment parapet system at Afton Down on the Military Road after warnings that further cliff erosion could put the route at risk.
No confirmed installation date
Councillor Becca Cameron said there is not yet a confirmed installation date, but she will continue pushing to get the “much-needed” barriers in place without further delays.
Last month, the member for Freshwater South said she had been given October as a potential start date for the work, but this was later pushed back to January 2027.
Cameron: A big step forward for safety
Councillor Cameron said today (10th November 2026),
“This is something I’ve been pushing for, so I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve finally got approval.
“The council is now working with Island Roads to update the programme and arrange installation as soon as possible.
“A big step forward for the safety of everyone using this iconic and beautiful but vulnerable stretch of road.”
Designed to limit visual impact
Island Roads previously said the proposed system was developed to address road safety risks linked to the proximity of the carriageway to the retreating cliff edge, while being mindful of Afton Down’s environmental and visual sensitivities.
The provider’s report to the council said,
“The selected parapet system has been shown to be compatible with the existing structure, allowing the works to be delivered with minimal intervention, reduced ground disturbance, and limited visual impact.
“Measures such as limiting approach and departure barrier lengths and applying a powder-coated finish will be incorporated to help ensure the scheme sits sympathetically within the surrounding Heritage Coast and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
Why the council had to approve the details
Details of the barriers were submitted to County Hall as part of a condition compliance planning application.
The proposal related to condition 14 attached to an approved 2002 scheme to stabilise two sections of highway over Afton Down through engineering works.
Condition 14 said that before installing any crash barriers at the Afton Down section of Military Road, full details of them should be submitted and agreed in writing with the council.
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
