Dorset Council is the transport authority and has a duty to support and enable use of public transport services. Whilst it does not formally suspend bus stops or provide a temporary alternative when they are affected by activities on the highway, organisers must apply to Dorset Council when these facilities need to be taken out of use due to works or events.

Activity organisers need not engage with bus operators serving a stop, they will be notified by Dorset Council and alternative arrangements put in place.

We do not charge for authorising bus stop closures.

Please refer to www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk if you need to suspend bus stops in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Timescales for notification

Please request a bus stop suspension as soon as one is known to be required, however a minimum of three working days notice is needed for all planned activities, or with notice as soon as possible for unplanned works.

Suspending a bus stop on site

We will ask the organisers of the activity to suspend a bus stop, which may include covering over bus stop signage and placing relevant notices on site where possible, to aid and inform public transport users.

Organisers may wish to place out advance warning information if deemed appropriate.

Temporary stops may be cited if agreed and it is safe to do so.

Request a bus stop suspension

All bus stops in Dorset are indicated on Dorset Explorer. Click on a stop icon to see more details including stop name and NaPTAN code (National Public Transport Access Node).

Please contact busstops@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk providing:

  • name, NaPTAN code and direction of the stop(s) affected
  • dates, times and duration when the stop(s) will be suspended
  • illustrative plans of closures along with a very brief description of the nature of the activity
  • contact details for further enquiries