Back in 2020, we wrote a piece on the issue of ‘ghost markings’ – defunct road markings that, even after being subject to a removal process, leave white shadows on the road that can confuse drivers. However, today, a new issue has taken precedence. According to a recent press release by the RAC, the vast majority of road users believe that some or all of the markings in their local area have deteriorated over the last five years, with a further 92% believing that it’s made driving more dangerous.
Road and line markings are an essential part of road safety infrastructure. The sheer number of survey respondents who raised concerns about faded markings is surely a testament to how important they are to road users. With people reporting the degradation of everything from centre white lines to yellow box junction markings, it’s clearly a problem that is both acute and widespread.
Why do Road Markings Fade?
Despite innovative products, best practice guidelines and skilful installation teams, road marking materials are constantly subjected to both the natural elements and the stressors of regular traffic. Together, these conditions create significant potential for wear and tear.
All weather conditions have an impact on road markings. Bright sunlight can make road markings fade via UV exposure, and the heat softens markings, making them less resilient. Cold weather, on the other hand, makes marking material brittle and far more likely to chip. Rainwater on the road surface causes markings to erode over time, while snow necessitates the use of road salt, which can cause damage.
In addition to this, the daily friction and weight from vehicles eventually wear markings away. The condition of the existing road surface also has an effect. If the road surface is older and worn, then markings may not have the same longevity as they would on freshly laid asphalt. Furthermore, cracks and potholes can break road markings apart. It really is a case of getting attacked on all fronts.
For the last decade, potholes have loomed large in the public consciousness. They are consistently ranked as the number one concern for drivers, even surpassing fuel prices and insurance costs. However, while councils have tried to prioritise filling potholes, the RAC’s survey makes it abundantly clear that the importance of road markings shouldn’t be underestimated, or ignored.
Why are Faded Road Markings a Safety Issue?
Road markings provide vital information for drivers that keep themselves – and other people – safe. When the information becomes illegible, it presents a real danger, with drivers making split-second decisions that might put them in a vulnerable situation, including being in the wrong lane or failing to give way at an intersection.
In fact, the RAC’s research highlighted that almost one-in-five drivers felt they had a near-miss as a result of faded road markings, while more than one-in-10 have overshot a junction. It is no surprise, therefore, that 84% of drivers believe repainting markings would improve safety, and 91% say councils should do a better job of keeping them visible.
What is the Solution to Faded Road Markings?
Every part of our transport infrastructure, from the Queensferry Crossing to the London Underground, requires maintenance to remain safe and usable, and road markings are no exception. Even with the use of high-durability materials, the combined impact of UV exposure, traffic abrasion, harsh weather, and de-icing chemicals all work together to make fading an inevitability over the long term.
To tackle this issue, it is important that roads are regularly inspected so that lines can be reapplied before they become critically faded and represent a safety issue to road users. Contractors and local authorities should also utilise knowledge of the road system and environment to guide their choices in the type of road markings applied. For example, using more hard-wearing materials in high-traffic zones, such as junctions and roundabouts.
How We Help with Faded and Ghost Marking
At Hi Way Services, we have three decades of experience in providing road marking services, including:
- The installation of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) markings
- The installation of thermoplastic line markings
- The removal of old “ghost” markings
In this time, we have worked at home and abroad with County Councils, major civil engineering companies and prominent retailers and developers to deliver road marking solutions that stand the test of time – keeping roads safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Whatever the environment (or scale of the project), our experienced teams bring the expertise and quality materials needed for long-lasting, safety-promoting results.
Alongside this, we also supply road marking equipment and preformed thermoplastic through our online shop, making it easy for contractors and local authorities to access the tools and materials they need to tackle faded markings quickly and cost-effectively.
The RAC’s research has revealed that not only is the faded condition of road markings happening on a larger scale than first realised, but also that the failure to keep them clear and visible is directly impacting road users. Contractors and local authorities alike all have a shared responsibility to maintain our road marking infrastructure, especially when the consequences of inaction is increased risk of accidents.
