Britain's white line road markings a safety hazard

White lines on nearly a third of Britain’s single-carriageway A-roads are so worn out they do not meet recognised standards, according to the LifeLines Report from the Road Safety Marking Association (RSMA).
February 21, 2012 Read time: 1 min
White lines on nearly a third of Britain’s single-carriageway A-roads are so worn out they do not meet recognised standards, according to the LifeLines Report from the Road Safety Marking Association (RSMA). The assessment of more than 2,400km of the network also reveals that Britain’s most dangerous roads have the most worn-out centre-line markings of all, leaving drivers “clueless when trying to read the road.” Two-thirds of all UK road deaths and serious injuries are on rural A-roads, and of over 1,600km of such roads surveyed, on average 14% of road markings are completely worn out, and 15% fall into the “amber” zone and should immediately be scheduled for replacement. Only 29% of lines reach the acceptable level of visibility.
George Lee, national director of the RSMA, said: “I believe that this year’s LifeLines Report presents evidence of sufficient public concern to merit an inquiry by Parliament’s Transport Select Committee, and that’s something we will seek.”
Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

Related Content

  • Eyes on the road – the distraction problem
    June 23, 2016
    The news that Europe’s road safety drive stalled in 2015 is a cause for concern. The actual causes of this stutter in the road with regard to boosting safety have yet to be identified. But it is highly likely that driver distraction plays a role, at least in part. There is plenty of research showing just how much of a risk the use of cellphones pose for drivers. And yet far too many drivers are blasé about the risks these pose for driver distraction. The sight of someone using a cellphone at the wheel i
    Read More
  • Europe’s road safety improved for 2019
    June 22, 2020
    New data shows that Europe’s road safety improved in 2019.
    Read More
  • Distracted driving dangers – from phone use at the wheel
    June 17, 2019
    The latest research reveals that the use of hands-free phone systems is just as dangerous as driving drunk. The UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has carried out extensive research into the use of cellphones by drivers. Moves to improve road safety in the UK have seen a reduction in the casualty rate, with a notable drop in the 2007-2012 period. However in the last five years, there has been minimal progress, with the UK’s road casualty figures remaining broadly static. There is particular concern
    Read More
  • Eurobitume Congress: Prague promises
    June 22, 2016
    Held every four years, the Eurasphalt and Eurobitume congresses have a reputation for revealing developments that will shape the future of bitumen use on Europe’s roads. This year’s event in Prague promises to uphold that reputation. By Kristina Smith The list of locations for the Eurobitume and Eurasphalt (E&E) Congresses reads like a traveller’s dream itinerary: Strasbourg, Barcelona, Vienna, Copenhagen, Istanbul. Now the beautiful city of Prague has been added to the list. Between 1-3 June, presenter
    Read More

Highlighted Content