Temporary evening road closures during Cowes Week for public safety
Published: 30 July 2025
Visitors and residents in Cowes are being advised of temporary evening road closures during Cowes Week, following growing public safety concerns and new guidance for major events.
The closures, which will be in place each evening from 6pm to 1am, are aimed at protecting pedestrians during one of the busiest weeks in the town’s calendar.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police has raised concerns about the volume of people and vehicles sharing the space during peak times, prompting the move.
The closures will affect the following areas:
- Terminus Road will be closed from the Carvel Lane junction. Access will be maintained for residents, buses, taxis and Red Jet customers up to the Carvel Lane/M&S junction.
- High Street will be closed to all traffic at both the Red Jet and Market Hill ends.
- Market Hill (bottom section) and Bath Road will be closed to all vehicles.
- Market Hill will become two way to support residents exiting Castle Road.
- The Parade will not be accessible to vehicles during closure hours. Residents may access on foot only.
- Red Jet Terminal will not be accessible by car between 6pm and 1am. Drop-offs should be made at the Terminus Road/Carvel Lane junction or at the Carvel Lane taxi rank.
The arrangements will be monitored and reviewed daily, and adapted as appropriate to ensure they remain effective and proportionate.
Michelle Love, the council’s service director for highways and community protection, said: “We know these closures will be inconvenient for some, but the safety of residents and visitors must come first.
"The police have made it clear that the risk to pedestrians is increasing, and we are acting on their advice to prevent serious incidents.”
Cowes Week runs from Saturday, 2 August to Friday, 8 August and people are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel.
Photo: Martin Allen