Temporary traffic signals licence

You need a licence to place temporary signals on the highway. This includes stop and go boards.

Traffic management drawings

Traffic management drawings are expected as a minimum requirement when:

1. multi-way temporary light signals will be used (3 or more phases)
2. works are at or within 100 metres of permanent signals (including pedestrian crossings)

Usual expectations for drawings are:

• OS drawing with licence number
• at an appropriate scale with the scale clearly displayed
• location of where the signal heads are going to be placed
• the location and extent of the work zone

Impact on permanent signals

Permanent signals may be impacted directly or indirectly by activities that take place within 100 metres of them and so promoters must discuss any potential impact with Dorset Highways at the earliest opportunity. Please do not assume that traffic management can be placed in the vicinity of signals without express approval.

There may a requirement for the permanent signals to be replicated within a temporary traffic management set up.

An activity promoter must not under any circumstances deliberately cut power, switch off or bag up permanent signals themselves. In the event of a loss of power to permanent signals through an unforeseen fault or accident, report it to Dorset Highways immediately.

Bagging of permanent traffic signals

This service is provided by Yunex Traffic on behalf of Dorset Council. To request this service, follow our bagging of permanent traffic signals application process.

Signal detection loops

Damage incurred to traffic signal detection loops in the carriageway may also be chargeable. These loops should not be cut by excavations without prior agreement.

Apply for a licence

Please ensure you complete the correct application dependant on the type of works you're wishing to undertake.

Apply for temporary signals for private works

Private works include development works, activities being undertaken under a section 50 licence and other activities which are not works being carried out by a utility company. Please make sure you have one of the following licences in place before applying for this licence:

• a road space booking
• a section 50 licence

Apply for temporary signals for private works

Assessment for temporary signals for street works

This assessment is for works being carried out by or on behalf of:

• utility companies
• transport authorities (such as network rail)

Promoters are kindly asked for their cooperation in completing this document as it assists Dorset Council in better understanding the level of assessment carried out by Promoters using temporary signals on its road network.

Download an assessment document

Please contact trafficteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk if you require the assessment document in a different format.