A CAMPAIGN to re-open a Newport street to traffic from an adjoining road has been launched.
Newport Conservatives hope to re-open Chapel Street to traffic travelling from New Street to St James' Street and have started a petition calling for the change.
Traffic from New Street has not been able to drive into Chapel Street for five years, after residents raised concerns it was becoming a rat-run.
The group behind the petition have said changes in other parts of the town mean the risk of Chapel Street being used as a rat-run have been reduced.
Cllr John Hobart said: "We believe it is now time to lift the prohibition on entry to Chapel Street, and that as an additional safety measure, one way arrangements are put into place to improve safety on the bends in the road.
"The changes to Whitepit Lane have provided a suitable west to east route for those wishing to travel to Shide and beyond. Therefore the potential impact on Chapel Street being used for travel through Newport from west to east is considerably reduced.
"It would make a huge difference to residents of Carisbrooke and those living west of Newport to be able to use this route from time to time to access Nodehill and that side of town."
Fellow campaigner Chris Whitehouse said: "Many residents of the Newport West area share my frustration at not having more routes to get around the town.
"Whilst the High Street and Whitepit Lane remain viable routes to get in and out of Newport, having the additional route through Chapel Street would certainly help traffic flow more easily within the town.
Campaigners will be going door-to-door with the petition, which will also be available to sign in shops in the area.
If campaigners secure 2,500 signatures the matter would be considered by the Isle of Wight Council's overview and scrutiny committee.