The Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride – July 2026
We were proud to provide the traffic management support for Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, helping to keep riders, volunteers, and spectators safe throughout the event.
We worked alongside Traffic Signs UK who provided the signs for the cycle event.
It was an honour to play a part in such an inspiring day, raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and supporting everyone taking on this incredible challenge.
A big well done to all the cyclists, organisers, volunteers, and supporters who made the event possible. We look forward to supporting many more community events in the future!
In July 2026, South Coast Traffic Management was appointed to design and deliver the traffic management operation for a series of large-scale festival events organised by Nationwide Festivals Ltd in Dorset.
The events were scheduled across a busy summer weekend, coinciding with other major attractions and significant traffic demand across the local road network. Particular attention was required due to the site’s proximity to the A35, concerns regarding potential congestion through Dorchester, and the need to minimise disruption to local residents and road users.
Working closely with the event organisers, Dorset Council’s Traffic Team, the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), and National Highways, South Coast TM was tasked with developing a robust plan that would safely manage approximately 1,800 vehicle movements per day while maintaining network resilience.
Planning & Consultation
Our team worked closely with:
- Dorset Council Traffic Team
- Dorset Safety Advisory Group (SAG)
- National Highways.
- Event organisers Nationwide Festivals Ltd
- Local stakeholders
The planning process involved multiple revisions to the Traffic Management Plan, incorporating stakeholder feedback
and strengthening arrangements where required.
- Managing peak ingress and egress periods.
- Preventing congestion on the A35 and surrounding routes.
- Discouraging unsuitable “rat-running” through local villages and Dorchester.
- Maintaining access for residents and businesses.
- Protecting public rights of way and pedestrian movements.
- Ensuring contingency arrangements were available should traffic volumes exceed forecasts.
The Solution
South Coast TM developed a dynamic traffic management strategy featuring:
Advanced Warning Signage, Event-specific directional and advisory signage was deployed in advance of the event weekend, providing clear route guidance for attendees and helping reduce unnecessary traffic movements on surrounding roads.
Stop & Go Traffic Control
A dedicated Stop & Go operation was implemented during peak arrival and departure periods.
The system was supported by:
- Multiple trained traffic management operatives.
- Strategic roadside spotters.
- Real-time communication between teams.
- Rapid deployment capabilities should congestion begin to develop.
This flexible approach allowed operatives to respond immediately to changing traffic conditions without the delays often associated with temporary traffic signal systems.
On-Site Traffic Management
To minimise delays on the public highway:
- Vehicle ticket checks were relocated away from the site entrance.
- Dedicated parking teams efficiently marshalled vehicles into parking areas.
- Additional trained personnel were available on-site as a contingency resource.
- Pedestrian routes and public footpaths were protected and monitored throughout the event
Stakeholder Coordination
Regular communication with Dorset Council and National Highways ensured all approvals and operational requirements were met prior to commencement.
The Outcome
The events were delivered successfully over the festival weekend with traffic management measures operating as planned.
Key Successes
- Safe and efficient management of event traffic.
- Minimal impact on the surrounding highway network.
- Successful coordination with Dorset Council, SAG, National Highways, and event organisers.
- Flexible operational response to fluctuating traffic conditions.
- Protection of pedestrian and public right-of-way routes.
- Positive stakeholder engagement throughout the planning and delivery process.
Following the event, South Coast TM undertook a detailed internal debrief and sought feedback from stakeholders as part of our commitment to continuous improvement and best practice.
Client & Stakeholder Collaboration
One of the key successes of the project was the collaborative approach taken throughout the planning phase. By engaging early and openly with stakeholders, concerns were identified and addressed before the event weekend, resulting in a practical and proportionate traffic management solution.
This project demonstrates South Coast TM’s ability to manage complex event traffic operations, adapt to evolving requirements, and work effectively alongside local authorities and national agencies to deliver safe, compliant, and
successful events.
