We have a number of designations and considerations in place to help identify and manage impacts on the busiest parts of the highway network throughout the year.
Embargoes for a particular location or time period are not recognised as legitimate forms of control and therefore we cannot introduce nor enforce such restrictions.
Under section 64 of the New Roads and Street Works Act, we may designate certain streets (or parts of streets) as traffic sensitive using a range of criteria.
View traffic sensitive streets on a map
Our traffic sensitive streets network was last reviewed, consulted upon and updated in 2024.
It is a designation that allows highly trafficked highways to be identified as requiring works promoters to give greater advanced warning of proposed works or activities and highlights that works or activities in these situations are likely to be particularly disruptive to other road users. The designation does not necessarily prevent occupation during traffic sensitive times, but they do apply to all works and activities taking place in the street.
Designations are recorded on the National Street Gazetteer (NSG).
As an incentive to carry out works at less disruptive times, works promoters can benefit from discounted permit fees by completing works on traffic sensitive streets entirely outside of traffic sensitive times.
View tourism route and event routes on a map
We are the Highway Authority of a predominantly rural road network and a county with an economy enriched by tourism. Following a Department for Transport consultation in 2022 and a change in policy in 2023, Dorset Council could no longer designate some routes, including those receiving tourist and event traffic alone, as "traffic sensitive".
We can still manage access to any part of the network for all Promoters through Permits, regardless of any designations. This means that if the timings and methodology of works (not including emergency activities) are likely to cause unreasonable disruption, then the council can take evidence-based decisions to require that alternative arrangements are made.
Routes designated for tourism and event traffic, are now included on the National Street Gazetteer (NSG) under "local considerations".
Road space is at a premium county-wide between April and September, but particularly in our coastal resorts which include Bridport, Charmouth, the Isle of Purbeck, Lyme Regis and Weymouth and Portland.
To minimise impact on road users, Works Promoters are requested to:
Road space on high streets, in town centres and around out-of-town retail parks is at a premium during the month of December. We also accommodate a number of seasonal events.
To minimise impact on road users, Works Promoters are requested to:
