New consultation launched on Island's 15 year transport plan
Published: 1 September 2025
The 12-week public consultation on the Isle of Wight Council’s draft Island Transport Plan (ITP) has been launched today (Monday, 1 September).
The document outlines the Island’s transport priorities from 2025 to 2040. The plan is part of a national requirement for Local Transport Authorities to have a Local Transport Plan in place.
The plan highlights:
- supporting healthier communities through safer and more travel options;
- a transport network that reduces environmental impact;
- the importance of adapting to climate change.
The ITP also includes objectives such as supporting local economic growth, improving air quality and travel efficiency, and making transport more inclusive and affordable.
Among the proposals are improvements to rural bus shelters, simplified ticketing across different modes of transport, and the rollout of real-time information across the network.
The plan also supports enhancements at ferry terminals and the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The council has already secured £13.6 million in Levelling Up funding for walking, cycling, and public transport improvements, and £2.1 million from the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund for the A3056 between Newport and Lake.
Isle of Wight Council has organised seven drop-in events across the Island:
- Monday 15 September - Riverside Centre, Newport - 3.30pm to 6.30pm
- Tuesday 16 September – East Cowes Town Hall – 11am to 2pm
- Wednesday 17 September – Freshwater Memorial Hall – 11am to 2pm
- Monday 6 October – Aspire Ryde – 3:30pm to 6:30pm
- Thursday 9 October – Cowes Community Club – 3:30pm to 6:30pm
- Tuesday 4 November – Salisbury Gardens, Ventnor – 11am to 2pm
- Thursday 6 November – Sandown Methodist Church – 11:30am to 2:30pm
In addition, there are two online events for those unable to make the drop-ins:
- Wednesday 8 October 10:00am -11:30am
- Monday 3 November 5pm – 6:30pm
These events will give Islanders the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the Island Transport Plan with Council Officers.
Stewart Chandler, Isle of Wight Council’s Transport Strategy Manager said: “The way we travel affects almost every part of Island life; from job opportunities and access to healthcare, to the air we breathe and the safety of our streets.
"Our Island Transport Plan addresses today’s urgent challenges: congestion, climate change, accessibility, health inequalities, while planning for tomorrow’s opportunities in technology, tourism and sustainable growth.
“Our Vision, as we work towards 2040, is to have an inclusive transport system that enables a low-carbon, safe, prosperous and healthy future for all residents and visitors; and seeks to protect and enhance the Island’s unique local, natural and built environment.”
The closing date for public comment is November 24.
Once responses have been considered, the final version of the plan will be published in early 2026 and will be submitted to the Department for Transport for approval.