Drone trial delayed again over residents' concerns

The scheme was going to see the closure of Mornington Road car park

A controversial drone trial has been delayed for a second time over concerns from locals.

The Inteliports Drone Trial, which would see drones delivering goods with up to six flights a day from Mornington Road car park on the Isle of Wight, was initially supposed to start on 7 August and last six months.

But Isle of Wight Council said the trial would be postponed by a week to allow it to meet with residents in person to discuss their concerns.

Following that meeting, the council said on Tuesday that the trial would be postponed again to give the council " time to consider the licence for access to the site".

Residents had previously said the Cowes site was "inappropriate" for the trial, raising concerns about the need to close the car park for the duration of the trial.

Inteliports, the company behind the scheme, said it had "surveyed several sites across the island" but found the car park to be the most feasible option.

The council previously said the project would look at "decarbonising island logistics"

In a statement, Isle of Wight council thanked residents for attending the meeting.

"Following feedback from residents and other local stakeholders, the council has asked Inteliports to postpone any trial until after the summer holidays," the council said.

"This provides the council with time to consider the licence for access to the site and will provide more information as soon as it can."

The council confirmed the car park would not be closed from Wednesday 14 August, as initially planned.