Traffic & Transport - Threats & Challenges

Generic approaches to signage and the design of road schemes have a major impact on the local distinctiveness and character of an area. Protecting an area’s character has to be balanced with the need to maintain the highway and ensure that it is safe to use; this is often a difficult balance to strike. 

Increasing traffic levels and larger vehicles can lead to verges being eroded. Illegal and unregulated parking on verges can also cause problems.

Highways signage can have an urbanising impact on the rural highway network. Traffic regulation requires signage, and there are often few discretionary powers regarding its design, size and placement. Maintaining existing signage and programmes to rationalise them can help ensure that the impact of signage is minimised. The use of temporary plastic signs and of street furniture for fly posting should be discouraged.

Public transport

This needs to be regular, reliable, affordable and convenient if it is to provide an alternative to the car. Alternatives such as walking and cycling may also offer opportunities for non-vehicular travel for work and leisure.

  Visitors and seasonal increases in traffic volume

The contribution to the local economy by visitors to the Island is an important factor in the well-being of local communities and businesses. Increases in traffic volume in the summer months, can have an impact on rural villages and ‘honey pot’ tourist sites.

 Speed of traffic in villages and on the rural highway network

Measures to reduce speeds on rural networks and in village centres may help to encourage greater non-vehicular use of the highway. The rural road network is often subject to the national speed limit, although the physical character of the road may prevent such high speeds being attempted. The ‘Quiet Road’ pilot scheme at Alverstone has had some success, in attempting to persuade a more considerate approach by drivers in narrow rural lanes.

 raffic noise

Tranquility is an important aspect of the special qualities of the landscape character of the AONB. Traffic noise can have an impact on this and we need to consider its management.

 Rights of way network

This extensive, well-managed and well-used network offers opportunities for access on foot, horse and cycle across the whole of the AONB (GIS interrogation indicates 217Km Public Bridleway and 185Km Public Footpath within the AONB).   Further opportunities exist to integrate this network with the use of the broader highways network. However, illegal access by motorised vehicles to the AONB off routes that have motorised vehicular rights can cause problems and requires proper management.