Survey labels 17% of road markings a danger
Page 9
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
By Ashleigh Wight
ROAD MAINTENANCE authorities have rebuffed criticism that they are failing to enforce road marking standards after a survey said markings labelled as a danger to road users had more than doubled from 8% in 2010 to 17% in 2012.
The survey, which covers 7,250km of white lines in the UK, was conducted by Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) and found that nearly half the markings on Scottish and Welsh trunk roads need repairing.
RSMA national director George Lee said: “Standards are being inconsistently implemented, and it would appear that there is little or no monitoring.” The survey found Scottish roads had the greatest need for repair, with 61% of single and dual car riageway markings barely visible, despite the Scottish Government having invested £1m in improving road conditions.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Our operating companies have a contractual obligation to monitor the markings on their roads and their performance is monitored by the Performance Audit Group. It is disappointing that there are occasions where this does not meet the necessary standards. We will continue to press this issue.” In England, where the WiganStandish section of the M6 was identified as having 66% of its road markings in need of repair, a Highways Agency spokeswoman said: “Where markings on sections of road are found to be sub-standard and require urgent improvement, we take prompt action to remedy them.” The Welsh Government said it undertakes a detailed annual inspection. Despite this, the A5156 Wrexham South road was singled out as the worst in Wales, with 93% of its white lines in need of repair.