Can you spot what is wrong with this road sign along the A31?

As part of the A31 improvements which have been ongoing for several months now, National Highways has installed a new road sign between the junctions of Ringwood and Verwood. 

However, motorists may have spotted one thing wrong with the new sign - they have misspelt Wimborne. 

National Highways has noted the mistake, which spells Wimborne as ‘Wimbourne’ and has contacted the company which made the sign to organise a replacement. 

National Highways project manager Daniel Kittredge said: “The misspelling of Wimborne was identified as part of the final inspection while the new sign was being installed adjacent to the A31.  

“We have contacted the company that manufactured the sign to organise a replacement which will be installed as soon as possible.  

“We are reviewing the approval process to understand how this has happened, and we apologise to the residents of Wimborne.” 

"All schemes delivered by National Highways on behalf of the Department for Transport are funded through HM Treasury and tax payer funded.

"The projects are managed through a series of contracts whereby project costs are closely monitored.

"The cost of the new sign, which is part of the overall project, is included within the scheme.

"The new sections of the sign required to amend the error will not impact the overall cost of the project."

National Highways has confirmed the amendments will be funded by the contracted company, not the taxpayer.

Read more: Acoustic barrier debate at Ringwood church by A31 continues

National Highways is nearing completion of the £30m improvements to the A31, which includes the installation of a new bridge and widening of the lanes. 

National Highways said replacing the bridges would help to "reduce congestion, improve safety and provide a road suitable for the future".

The road is expected to open to traffic in November 2022.