We want to encourage communities, to decide upon new traffic management measures for their areas at a local level. These decisions can then be made:
- efficiently
- democratically
- in the best interest of the local and wider community
Restrictions such as speed limits and traffic calming are often emotive subjects within communities.
All requests must be passed through local parish and town councils or the local elected Member for the respective ward. We cannot accept requests directly from individual residents.
Make a request for new traffic management measures
You can send requests for new traffic management measures to town, parish council or Elected Members.
Once discussed at a local level, town and parish councils or local Members can request us to carry out initial investigations.
Things to consider when requesting new traffic management measures
Town and parish councils, and local Member, should:
- discuss and consider the proposal
- consult with residents
- carry out a local analysis
The local analysis should focus on 4 key factors:
Suitability
Things to consider in terms of suitability:
- Is the introduction of a restriction suitable for the area?
- Consider the advantages and disadvantages.
- Does the road already have traffic calming features, such as signs, speed bumps, and on-street parking
All these can contribute to road safety in one way or another. If the proposal does not meet our various criteria, it is unlikely to be implemented.
Cost
Things to consider in terms of cost:
- Would the proposals be achievable financially?
It is not just a case of introducing a restriction. Our funding for traffic management has reduced substantially in recent years. You will need to consider the costs of advertisement, consultation, and materials required, which can run into thousands of pounds.
Opinion
Things to consider in terms of opinion:
- Do other residents agree that there is an issue in the area?
- Would the proposal actually inconvenience you, your neighbours, the community, and others?
- If related to traffic offences, have you contacted Dorset Police to see if they are able to carry out enforcement? It may negate the need for any changes in the first place.
Impact
Things to consider in terms of impact:
- If implemented, would the restriction have the desired effect, or will it actually introduce more problems?
- Will the introduction of a restriction just move the problem to another area?
Prioritisation
Priority is given to work at sites where there are a number of historical recorded collisions.
When we receive requests from town or parish councils or local elected members, we will:
- consider the proposals carefully
- looking practically at each request
- check the request against the criteria
- carry out any investigations needed
- make any decisions
In the current financial climate we are only able to introduce a very small number of new measures in comparison to years past.