Isle of Wight gears up for Tour of Britain
The final stage of the cycle race is being held on the Island
The Isle of Wight Council has provided further information about AJ Bell Tour of Britain traffic arrangements after road signs were put out along the race route over the weekend.
The signs give motorists advance warning of the road closures that are required during the race (September 11) to ensure the safety of riders and spectators. The signs also provide a reminder that cars need to be removed from the course well before the race starts.
However, the road closure time on the signs (11.00am to 3.30pm) is the overall period within which a rolling road closure will be in place. This rolling road closure itself will be for a maximum of up to 30 minutes to an hour — much shorter than the timings shown in the notice.
Alex Minns, the council's assistant director for neighbourhoods, said: “Because it is a live sporting event, it is difficult to predict the exact times during which the rolling road closures will come into effect.
“Therefore, the official road closure is for a general period within which we are confident the race will be completed. In reality, the actual road closure will be much shorter than the general time shown on the signs.”
Only the start and finish points, Ryde seafront and the section between Chale and the Needles will be subject to longer road closures.
The signs also highlight the need for cars to be removed from the race route from 0001 and 23.59 on September 11. The council is however asking that residents move their cars from 6pm on September 10 although they will be allowed to park on the route again once the race has finished.
“The signs show the legal times when a clearway will be in place and therefore cars will have to be removed,” Alex said.
“But obviously if residents are able to move their cars earlier then it would be really helpful — that’s why we have asked them to move them from 6pm on Saturday 10. In reality, they will also be able to return their cars to the clearway once the race has ended.”
Cars left on the race route during the clearway period will be removed.
Further details on the race and how it will affect residents are contained in a letter currently being delivered to Island homes and businesses.
Further information can also be seen on a dedicated section of the council’s website and Facebook page.