From Lee Morris, Ventnor:

There seems to be a lot wrong with the map in the Pedestrianisation Options in the pamphlet delivered to Ventnor householders and its proposed traffic management.

If you draw up a map it’s useful to check you have the right street name…Steep Hill rather than Spring Hill is the most obvious error.

I’m finding it difficult to understand whether Victoria Street in Option 1 is to be two way, as the description says, or one way as the northward single arrow shows on the map.

If it is to be two way, then at its narrowest point the width of the carriageway is just over 4.5metres. Bearing in mind coaches and HGV vehicles have a width of 2.55 metres, excluding mirrors, it would not seem sensible to allow two-way traffic without removing the pavements.

It should also be noted that in Albert Street, the narrowest point is adjacent to the pharmacy, which would also preclude it being used as a two carriageway mooted in Option 2 as a possible alternative.

It would also appear from the Option 1 map that traffic for the Esplanade will come down Pier Street and continue down the Cascade. However, the map does not show what happens to the traffic wishing to return.

Is it the intention to make the Cascade one way only and expect the exiting traffic from the Esplanade to use Bath Road?

Never mind nervous car drivers attempting Bath Road for the first time but what about the large delivery lorries servicing the businesses on the front….surely they are not expected to exit using Bath Road?

On the subject of delivery lorries, if the eastern end of the High Street is to be two way what happens to the Tesco loading bay? Similarly, the large Co-op lorries having to exit its car park and turn left opposite the surgery car park will find virtually impossible.

I imagine both companies will have something to say.

On the traffic question alone, the scheme has no merit and, factor in the removal of car parking spaces from the High Street and possibly Albert Street and Victoria Street, depending which option is chosen, does a great disservice to the disabled and infirm, who need to access the shops within easy walking distance and who do not want to pay the increased car parking charges in the Central Car Park.

Concentration by Ventnor Town Council on real issues, such as more accessible public conveniences and pressure on owners of eyesore properties to improve them, would better serve the residents of this great town.