Barriers staying in place

By Carole Dennett Sep 30, 2020

The large plastic barriers at the lower end of Newport High Street look set to stay for the time being. 

This is despite the words of Transport Secretary Grant Schapps who said recently: “Some of those plastic barriers that have gone up in town centres to widen the pavements can actually prevent pedestrians, including disabled people, crossing the road. They narrow the carriageway for traffic, causing congestion and increasing danger for cyclists. They reduce parking for essential visits to the pharmacy or dentist or doctor. And they don’t seem to be much used by pedestrians either.”

A spokesman for the Isle of Wight Council said: “There are no plans to remove them at the moment and we will be consulting the town council and business association before taking any action.”