Survey of UK’s White Lines
It’s probably not a topic that many of us spend much time thinking about, but somebody has to keep an eye on the white lines on our roads and make sure they aren’t fading away. That responsibility falls to the Road Safety Markings Association. White lines are just one aspect of road maintenance, which also naturally involves repairing those potholes that are so hazardous to our car tyres and suspension!
The Road Safety Markings Association has been carrying out the country’s biggest survey of the state of our roads’ white lines. They are covering more than 6,000 miles of roads in England, Scotland and Wales, paying particular attention to the UK’s ten most dangerous roads (identified by the Road Safety Foundation). The quality of their central white lines will be measured by assessing their retro-reflectivity. It is recommended that the road markings achieve at least a rating of 150mcd (millicandelas), but they won’t be scheduled for replacement unless they fall below 100mcd. Those that fall below 80mcd need to be replaced immediately.
It is crucial that the white lines are clearly visible, whether the road is wet or it is the middle of the night. As many local authorities, and the Highways Agency are turning motorway and street lighting, it is becoming even more important that road markings are well-maintained. So we’re very grateful to the Road Safety Markings Association for making sure they are!