A-boards

Many local businesses use A-boards to advertise their goods and services.

Dorset Council supports the local economy by helping businesses achieve this through the use of A-boards.

Our A-boards policy and conditions ensures a consistent approach across the county.

Access protection markings

These are single white lines painted on the tarmac in front of dropped kerbs, commonly at driveways and crossing points.

Residents and businesses can request access protection markings that comply with our policy and requirements.

Brown tourism signs

Brown tourism signs are designed to guide and inform drivers to places of interest and tourist attractions.

Businesses can apply for and request brown tourism signs that comply with our policy and requirements.

Community signs

Community signs are designed to guide and inform drivers to approved facilities and public buildings in communities.

Communities and public services can apply for and request community signs that comply with our policy and requirements.

Roundabout sponsorship

Roundabout sponsorship in Dorset is perfect for businesses looking for cost-effective local advertising.

Advertising opportunities are available on roundabouts as part of a sponsorship programme.

Street name signs

These signs help residents, visitors, and emergency services identify streets and navigate neighbourhoods more efficiently.

Report an issue with street name signs online.

Requests for street name signs to accompany new developments should be directed to area offices.

Temporary event direction signs

Temporary event direction signs are used to guide road users to short-term events or activities.

These signs can be used for events which:

  • take place for no more than seven consecutive days
  • are expected to attract more than 500 people per day

Signs placed on the highway should comply with our policy and guidance.

To obtain permission to place these signs, please email dorsethighways@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Temporary works and construction signs

Temporary roadworks signs are essential for managing traffic and ensuring safety during short-term works or maintenance on the highway.

Traffic safety mirrors

The council does not approve mirrors on the highway for private use.

It is the responsibility of the land/property owner to ensure good visibility from their private access onto the public highway.

After all reasonable alternative works have been carried out to improve visibility, such as cutting back vegetation, then placing a visibility or safety mirror on private land is an option with the permission of the land owner.

Unauthorised signs

Unauthorised signs refer to any signage placed on or near the public highway without proper approval, these signs can pose safety risks and legal issues.

Unauthorised signs are not permitted on the highway and can be removed without notice by Dorset Council and stored; incurring a charge of £1.00 per day.

You can report an unauthorised sign online. Our policy sets out the circumstances for when these signs will be removed.