New speed limits for safer Island roads
Published: 28 August 2025
The Isle of Wight Council as Highways Authority is implementing a number of speed changes to make roads safer for all users.
As part of the Department for Transport funded Safer Roads Fund project the first element of proposed speed limit changes will be made on the A3056 (from its junction with Sandown Road, Lake through to its junction with Blackwater Hollow) and are due to be implemented on the Friday 29th August 2025.
The initial phase relates to the Branstone area of the route.
- To introduce a 40mph speed limit in the following lengths of road: A3056 Hale Common, Arreton, between a point 155m south-east of Bathingbourne Lane and a point 185m north-west of Winford Road.
- To revoke a 50mph speed limit in the following length of road: A3056 Hale Common, Arreton, between a point 155m south-east of Bathingbourne Lane and a point 185m north-west of Winford Road.
The proposed changes are based on traffic management safety improvements recommended as a result of a route user risk review undertaken using the International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) which is promoted by the Department of Transport and Road Safety Foundation.
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee said “The speed reductions intend to increase safety for all highway users. The evaluation has taken into consideration public consultation and speed, traffic and accident data held by our Highways team along with modes of travel and key traffic information.
“This is the first of a number of speed limit measures aimed at reducing accidents and will be welcomed by many,”
Additional speed limit changes are due to be implemented out over the coming months and into next year in the following areas:
- Arreton Street, Arreton within the area of Pump Lane through to School Lane.
- Newport Road, Lake between its junction with Whitecross Lane and Manor Road.
- Newport Road, Lake running east of its junction with Scotchells Brook Lane.
- Arreton Street Arreton west of the Arreton Barns access road through to the Blackwater Hollow area and including for an element of the northern extents of Merstone Lane.
In addition to changes in speed limits, as part of the wider project; footway and accessibility improvements are also due to be implemented in areas along the route such a footway provision at Hale Common. Dates for the additional improvements will be announced in due course.