National Highways is considering plans to implement new road marking profiles for centre lines, as part of an effort to enhance motorists’ safety.
Road marking profiles are the raised or textured lines that improve road safety by making it easier for drivers to see or feel the road lines. The new profile would increase the audible impact of crossing centre lines, specifically on single-carriageway roads.
Risks are often greater on single-carriageways when compared to other road types across the network. For instance, there is an increased risk of head-on collisions between cars due to crossing the centre line.
The agency is conferring with the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) over the proposals and discussed this ongoing work at its national conference this month.
Dr Joanna White, research, development and innovation director at National Highways, said to delegates: “We are exploring opportunities for new road marking profiles, which could potentially provide an increased audible effect when the vehicles cross them.
“If viable this could provide additional benefits for use as a centre line marking on single carriageways, helping to deliver our vision that no one should be killed or seriously injured on our roads. My team have had some initial discussions with the RSMA and we look forward to continuing to explore what might be achievable.”
National Highways is also looking to improve the wider specification and standards of road markings and studs, within its renewal of the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) this year.
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