Traffic volume, vehicle speeds, “rat running” and road safety were just a few of the highway issues identified by Carisbrooke Park Estate residents during a recent public consultation exercise. As a result, the Isle of Wight Council, in conjunction with others, has formed a Local Accessibility Partnership to put in place the improvements required.
After additional consultation with schools and the Police, the Partnership have produced a series of plans to deal with some of the main issues. Proposed works include an area wide 20mph speed limit, traffic calming, new crossings, street lighting, upgraded footpaths and cycleways and revised parking arrangements during peak school times.
Schools in the area are also playing their part. All 5 local schools - Carisbrooke Primary, St Thomas Primary, Trinity Middle, Archbishop King Middle and Carisbrooke High - are busy preparing School Travel Plans. In addition to their travel plans, 4 of the schools have taken part in a competition to design a road sign. Over 200 entries have been received and one entry from each school will be made up into a road sign which will be displayed alongside new speed limit signs.
Physical works are due to take place between now and September with the majority of the works undertaken during school holidays. Unfortunately it will be necessary to close some roads during construction but access to properties will be maintained wherever possible.
Copies of the engineering plans, timetable and traffic restrictions can be found at www.iwight.com/transport or plans viewed at True Wight Newsagents in Wellington Road.