Road space and section 50 licence

You need a licence to carry out private works or anything which affects or obstructs the highway. A fixed penalty notice may be served on those carrying out unauthorised work.

Before you start work:

view the Safety at Street Works and Road Works - A National Code of Practice. Failure to comply with the Code when executing works on the Highway is evidence of failing to fulfil the legal requirements to sign, light and guard works. Compliance with the Code will be taken as compliance with the legal requirements to which it relates. Further guidance on safe working on highways, including for some situations not covered by this Code, is available in Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual part 1, part 2 and part 3
co-ordinate your work around other works on the highway, view the roadworks map to see planned works
check our designated traffic sensitive streets network to plan your works at times that would cause the least traffic disruption

Working in the highway
You need a section 50 licence if you:	You need a road space booking if you:
need to dig up the road to repair existing apparatus such as pipe work or cables need to place new apparatus such as pipe work or cables in the road, that is or will be in your ownership need to have utility-owned apparatus placed in a trench excavated by a third party (a contractor which you have hired that has no connection to any of the utility companies) If, to undertake the work safely, a temporary traffic restriction is required like a road closure or temporary speed limit, then you will require an additional licence. Charges installation of new apparatus applications are charged at £475 work to existing apparatus applications are charged at £300 Start the section 50 application process	are carrying out minor alterations to the existing road layout (which have been given express approval from Dorset Highways Operations first) are carrying out works associated with new developments and where there is a section 38, section 278 or other legislation agreed are not excavating/digging in the public highway but are working on it or from it, for example, for building maintenance or tree surgery and the works will impact on traffic flow are placing a licenced obstruction in the road like hoarding or scaffold and traffic management (like temporary signals) are required. Temporary signals are authorised through an additional licence. Charges £25 per application, per phase of work/activity £1 for each additional street affected by the same job/activity Apply for a road space booking

Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and there are many variations which determine what application(s) you need to complete. If you require any assistance before applying, please contact us.

Traffic Team (roadworks)

Tel: 01305 221020
Full contact details for Traffic Team (roadworks)

Payment

Credit/debit card payment

We recommend secure, fast telephone payment via a credit or debit card. If you choose to pay by card, we will invite you to contact us by phone to make a payment once your application has been approved.

Cheque

We will invite you to send a signed cheque if your application is approved. Make it payable to Dorset Council for the agreed sum, and send it to Traffic Team, Dorset Highways, County Hall, Collition Park, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ.

Please specify the works reference provided on approval on the reverse of the cheque.

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