Where Will You Find Line Markings?
Line markings are a common sight in our built environment, and one we tend to take for granted in our day-to-day lives. This familiarity means that we often “read” line markings without even thinking about it, having learnt through a lifetime of exposure (and, if we are drivers, our theory test) the meanings they are intended to convey.
The fact that line markings are such a seamless part of the way we navigate our world – prompting us to make the correct decisions almost unconsciously – can mean that we underestimate just how important they are. Standardised through regulation and serving many forms of infrastructure, here we explore where line markings can be found, and the purposes they fulfil.
What are line markings?
Line markings are lines applied to road, pavement, and floor surfaces in order to impart important information. They can be sprayed, painted, or drawn onto the surface in a variety of different materials, depending on the particular needs of the project.
Across the globe, line markings are used as a form of non-verbal communication, primarily in the promotion of safety and helping motorists obey the rules of the road – although this is far from their only purpose.
Line markings on roads
A key part of passing our driving test in the UK is demonstrating that we understand line markings and how they impact our decisions as a road user. Perhaps the most recognizable road markings are center lines, which (alongside edge markings) help drivers maintain a safe, lateral position on the road, and take for granted that there is enough room for the vast majority of passing traffic – with perhaps the exception of buses on sharp bends!
Line markings on roads, however, serve a far greater variety of functions than helping drivers stay on the right part of the road. From cycle lanes, to box junctions, to wayfaring, the language of our roads is often spoken in the form of line markings.
Line markings in car parks
Line markings in car parks appear deceptively simple – consisting of a series of bays which allows people to park in an organised and rational manner. However, like road markings, line markings in car parks are determined by UK regulation and creating a coherent design takes rather a lot of thought and expertise.
Car parking bays are required to be no smaller than 2.4mX4.8m in the UK, but with cars increasing in size and SUVs gaining popularity, it can pay to be more generous when creating parking bays in modern car parks.
There is also the need to ensure the car park is usable for other vehicles, such as vans and coaches. As people riding motorbikes are usually exempt from car parking charges, it can be helpful to provide a space for them to discourage use of the bays – which are more appropriate for paying customers.
To improve accessibility, it is advised that car parks aim to ensure 4% of their spaces are dedicated to blue-badge holders, and (if applicable) that these are situated within 50m of the building the car park serves. These bays also need to be larger than standard car parking spaces, with a hatched zone at the back for boot access.
There are no regulations regarding the provision of car parking spaces for pregnant drivers, or those with small children, but as a general rule of thumb, they should be as large as disabled parking bays.
Line markings in warehouses
Warehouses and similar work environments can represent a variety of dangers if they aren’t properly managed. It is also the case that every organisation aims for maximum efficiency in the flow of goods and people, and want to ensure their storage spaces are effectively organised.
Poorly designed warehouses (where the direction of forklift and foot traffic isn’t defined, or where there isn’t a coherent system for arranging goods) can not only slow down the pace of business and frustrate employees, it can be the cause of workplace accidents.
Warehouse owners and managers can apply line markings to help workers use the space with safety and efficiency, with the markings demarcating walkways, aisles, and storage areas, and imparting important wayfaring information.
Perhaps the most important reason to apply warehouse line markings, however, is to adhere to Health and Safety regulations – ensuring the facility is within guidelines and minimising the risk of injury.
Line markings in airports
Just like motorists who need to read the road, pilots benefit from line and floor markings as they navigate the runway. Providing useful information for taxiing, take-off and landing, line markings are vital to pilots for maneuvering the plane safely.
With airports located in every corner of the globe, uniformity in these markings is encouraged across aviation facilities to improve safety and efficiency – in fact, pilots are encouraged to report poor or confusing markings to the airport operator so they can be improved.
Line markings in recreational areas
From sports pitches to playgrounds, line markings are an important part of our recreational areas. Tennis court markings, for example, are integral to the game, and have to be applied with precision and care to avoid any doubt for players and umpires in adhering to the rules. Line markings can also be found on outdoor basketball courts, field hockey courts, lacrosse courts and netball courts.
On multi-use games areas and school playgrounds, line markings can facilitate several different forms of entertainment, or be used as an educational tool for eager young minds. With some creative thinking, floor markings can hugely enhance a recreational space, and complement the user experience in parks and schools.
If you want to find out more about how we can help you on a line marking project, you can view our case studies or contact us today to see what we can do for you.
