Huge operation in place to get revellers away from Isle of Wight Festival and back to mainland

The great exodus is under way.

Today, thousands of revellers were heading off the Isle of Wight after the end of the island's music festival.

Police, council and transport bosses have joined forces with organisers to draw up detailed plans to keep everyone moving, in a bid to avoid the chaotic scenes of last week as festival-goers struggled to get onto the site once car parks had been turned into muddy quagmires.

From 8.30pm last night, 600 cars and 1,000 passengers had already made their way off the island, but the heaviest traffic was expected today.

Many cars caked in mud have already begun heading for the ferry terminals today, with the authorities warning it would be slow progress.

Those returning to the mainland last night praised the help they received from site staff and the large police contingent, which now numbers 100 officers and PCSOs.

Police however were advising motorists to expect delays, and urged them to ensure all lights were cleaned and to test their brakes once clear of the mud.

Plans are also in place to try to ease the impact of festival traffic on islanders attempting to get to work for the start of the week, by limiting the number of people leaving Seaclose Park in Newport.

Drivers and organisers alike have said early indications seem to be that the operation was running smoothly this morning, with a fleet of 100 4x4s drafted in to help drag many vehicles off the car parks.

As reported, thousands of people were left stranded in their cars overnight last week as heavy rain caused huge problems for festival chiefs.

Ferries were also stuck in the Solent as the weight of traffic made it impossible for them to dock.

Ferry firms Red Funnel and Wightlink are both putting on extra crossings throughout the day to help get people back to the mainland.

Paul Hartigan, general manager of Southern Vectis, said yesterday: “We are working closely with organisers, the police and the council to get people on and off site and to the ferry terminals as quickly as possible.

“We are doing this in a way that does not affect the network and the school lift will operate tomorrow as scheduled.”

Stuart Love, director of economy and the environment from the Isle of Wight Council, added: “As you can imagine this is a constantly evolving situation but I can assure residents and festival goers that all agencies we are working together to implement arrangements designed to keep disruption to minimum.

“Regulating movement from the car parks – including those established at Brickfields and Robin Hill on Friday – should mean that the situation today and Monday will be very different to that on Thursday and Friday when the congestion was unacceptable.”

Inspector Paul Savill from the police’s event planning team said today: “Our priority is preventing disruption and delays to roads and residents during the morning school run and rush hours’ period, crucially between 7.30am and 9am.

“Everyone involved in the organisation of this event has redoubled their efforts to ensure the egress of people is safe and as swift as possible.

“The exit of the remaining festival goers from all car parks is being managed carefully to control traffic flow and minimise congestion to the local community.

“Road sweepers were out on Sunday cleaning the main routes around Seaclose Park; tractors and 4x4 vehicles are available to assist motorists to leave the festival campsite safely.

We are grateful for the public’s patience, understanding and support.

Their offers of assistance is a testament to the strong community spirit that prevails at times of adverse weather.

“More police officers and staff remain on duty so we have the resources to respond to any emergencies swiftly to keep residents and festival goers safe."

Festival promotor John Giddings thanked music fans for attending the festival and added: "We know it has been hard for you with the weather - Thursday was difficult for us with the car parks turning into mud very quickly even with our preparations in the run up to the Festival.

"There is a plan of action in place today and tomorrow for you to get your car out and on your way. We have a fleet of 4x4s and tractors to make it easier for you and stewards will give you directions as you leave the campsite. It has been an incredible weekend of music and I hope you have enjoyed it - see you again next year."