Issue - meetings

To consider the final report and recommendations of the Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Task Force.

Members received a report which summarised the final report and recommendations of the Isle of Wight Transport Infrastructure Task Force (Item 6 in the Minute Book).

The Officer outlined the background to the formation of the Task Force and the scope of the Task Force which considered the transport infrastructure challenges to economic growth for the Isle of Wight.  Members heard that the Task Force made a number of recommendations as a result of their study which addressed Cross-Solent Links, Island Gateways, Reducing Congestion, Sustainable Transport and Greater Use of Technology.  In relation to road congestion, it was heard that there were a number of concerns around congestion in the Newport area as highlighted in paragraph 2.5 of the report.  The Task Force’s recommendations for reducing congestion were also highlighted.  Members noted that a number of recommendations from the Task Force addressed the greater use of technology on the Island as set out in paragraph 2.7 of the report, and heard that close partnership working could enable integrated ticketing for travel and more efficient wi-fi. 

The Isle of Wight Solent Transport Member, Councillor Ian Ward, spoke in support of the Task Force’s report, and it was heard that the full report and recommendations as set out in Appendix 1 had been presented to the Isle of Wight Council for consideration.  Councillor Ward emphasised the importance of partnership working and engagement with all transport operators in addressing the Task Force’s recommendations, and supported the Task Force’s views and recommendations around relieving traffic congestion.  Members heard that the Task Force had considered the views of PRO-LINK in support of an Island fixed link, and their project proposal was noted.  It was heard that the Council had been approached by PRO-LINK to support a study for a fixed link, but the Council had requested further information regarding this before making its decision.  A discussion ensued about the viability of a fixed link, and the cost effectiveness of this was also highlighted.  In conclusion, Councillor Ward reported that the report and recommendations of the Task Force had been well received by the Isle of Wight Council.  

The following decisions have been made:

That the Joint Committee:

(a)       Approves Solent Transport becoming a member of the proposed Cross-Solent Partnership Board;

(b)       Approves Solent Transport continuing to work alongside Isle of Wight Council, South Western Railway and Network Rail in developing proposals to the Department for Transport which seek to secure the long term future of the Island Line;

(c)       Approves that Solent Transport continues to work with the Solent’s bus, rail and ferry operators to develop proposals to extend existing integrated ticketing schemes and multi-modal travel information systems to the Isle of Wight.