Poor marks for UK’s white lines

The UK’s road markings are said to be vanishing rapidly, according to a new survey by a leading highways organisation. A snapshot survey of nearly 500 miles by the Road Safety Markings Association (RMSA) revealed that well over half of white lines in Scotland and Wales are almost non-existent, and England’s fare little better. On average, the RSMA survey found that 50.6% of the UK’s surveyed road markings are barely visible. And almost a quarter (23%) of roads are classified as needing ‘emergency repairs’.
June 19, 2012 Read time: 1 min
UK's vanishing white lines present road safety problem. Picture: Bauke Karel.
The UK’s road markings are said to be vanishing rapidly, according to a new survey by a leading highways organisation.

A snapshot survey of nearly 500 miles by the 5149 Road Safety Markings Association (RMSA) revealed that well over half of white lines in Scotland and Wales are almost non-existent, and England’s fare little better. On average, the RSMA survey found that 50.6% of the UK’s surveyed road markings are barely visible. And almost a quarter (23%) of roads are classified as needing ‘emergency repairs’. Less than 7% of road markings scored the highest rating.

The RSMA carried out the latest spot-check across a range of motorways and major A roads managed by the 2309 Highways Agency, and lesser A and B roads managed by local authorities.
Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • LGA fears UK roads pothole crisis
    November 28, 2012
    The Local Government Association (LGA) fears further cuts to its road maintenance budget, or a cold winter, may lead to potholes appearing across thousands of miles of UK roads. The LGA says that since the formation of the coalition government in 2010, its highways maintenance budget has been reduced by almost US$798.35million (£500mn). The LGA is responsible for maintaining local roads spanning 180,000miles in England and Wales.
    Read More
  • Clearer road markings influence driver behaviour
    July 12, 2012
    Research into driver behaviour has identified that driver safety and decision-making can be positively influenced by clearer and higher performing road markings. Patrick Smith reports. Bare roads will lead to total vehicular confusion. Markings are painted on the road to direct, guide and regulate the road user, and include all lines patterns, words and colours applied on or attached to the road surface or kerb for these purposes.
    Read More
  • Closer ties with Highways England Collaborative Delivery Framework
    April 13, 2017
    Highways England is reconsidering its procurement to encourage innovation and ultimately deliver more for less. Kristina Smith spoke to client, contractors and material suppliers to find out more. A group of senior managers is being addressed by a local resident who lives close to some proposed road works. The resident is angry, persistent and quite rude. The question is: how will these managers respond?
    Read More
  • CBI calls for privatisation of UK’s major roads
    October 8, 2012
    A leading industry body is calling for the UK’s motorway and main road links to be privatised and tolled. According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), introducing a plan for tolled roads and privatised motorways will be the only way to ensure these major links can be adequately funded in the future. By privatising some 1,600km of motorways, the CBI believes that there should be sufficient revenue for necessary repair and maintenance works. At present the UK’s Highways Agency faces a funding sho
    Read More

Highlighted Content