THE Isle of Wight Council has issued new traffic management arrangements ahead of the Tour of Britain. 

This includes some residents being asked to "play their part" and remove their vehicles from the route, and time their journeys to avoid planned road closures.

The cycling race will reach its climax here on the Isle of Wight — on September 11.

Around 100 of the world’s best riders will take on the 150-kilometre Island stage.

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With the start time confirmed, and estimates on when riders will reach race milestones, the council has published details of the rolling road closures that will be in place to facilitate the race.

These should last for a maximum period of between 30 minutes and an hour.

The local authority says, for safety reasons, it will be necessary to have longer road closures at the start and finish points.

This will be at Ryde seafront and from the start of the Military Road at Chale until the finish at The Needles.

Some residents will also be asked to remove their cars from the route so the race can pass safely.

The council says this information will be made available in the coming weeks.

Cllr Phil Jordan, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “Seeing these detailed timings really starts to bring home the excitement of the Island, staging such a prestigious international sporting event.

“We are, however, asking Island residents to play their part in ensuring the course is safe and looks the part for the cameras who will be beaming live pictures of the race — and the Island — across the world.”

To reduce traffic on the roads during the race, Islanders are being encouraged to spectate locally if possible. 

If journeys are necessary, the council says they should, if possible, be timed to avoid the short rolling road closures on the day.

The council is planning drop-in sessions later this month, where residents can discuss the race with organisers and also an Island wider letter-drop to provide further information.

There are also two online channels set up, where residents can find out more about the event. 

These are via the council website at www.iow.gov.uk/tourofbritain and Facebook Tour of Britain Resident Info.