But… there is another school of thought
Back in 2016, the UK government experimented with a pilot scheme to remove white lines and other markings from the middle of some roads, in places including Sandringham, Wiltshire and Derby, and parts of the A23, and the A100.
According to a Guardian article at the time, the reason for doing this was that research has shown that removing white lines ‘induces uncertainty and thus cuts vehicle speeds by 13%’, therefore reducing accidents and saving lives. But, the article goes on to say that opinion is divided, and the idea of so-called ‘naked streets’ or ‘shared space’, developed by Dutch engineer, Hans Monderman, isn’t to everyone’s taste, particularly UK Health & Safety departments.
That said, in the 400 or so towns across Europe that gave the concept a go, it’s claimed it led to dramatic falls in accidents, due to drivers automatically reducing their speed, giving other drivers more eye contact, and taking greater care.
So, what’s the science behind it?
It’s all about ‘self-policing’, Monderman suggests. Which basically means, people will naturally make the right decisions when trusted to do so, without the need for a visible, ‘authoritarian’ system in place. And according to Monderman, ‘rules, controls, signs, traffic lights, all reduce our awareness of our surroundings and thus our sense of danger’. Put another way, is like the false sense of security created by an overprotective parent.
So, is it time to get rid of road markings?
NO. And we’re not just saying that because we’re a professional road line marking company. Despite Monderman’s claims, and the apparent statistics backing them up, road markings continue to be a force for good. Clear and concise road markings play a vital role in road safety, and are required to:
Help regulate traffic – This is most apparent when you think of solid white lines to indicate no overtaking, yellow box junctions to help with traffic flow and prevent blocked roads, or stop lines at level crossings.
Preserve pedestrian safety – Think zebra and pelican crossings, safe pedestrian walkways (particularly in car parks), and tactile pavement markings, to help blind or partially-sighted people navigate the streets.
Aid nighttime visibility – Imagine driving down a motorway in the dead of night without the help of reflective, thermoplastic markings to guide you, especially in areas designated as light pollution reduction areas.
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If you’re looking for professional line marking for roads, warehouses, car parks or playgrounds, anywhere in the UK, contact City Road Markings, one of the UK's leading line marking specialists.
Source: The Guardian