Based on the survey carried out by the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA), LifeLines England found that 52% of markings on motorways, 42% on dual carriageways, and 48% on single carriageways all need replacing immediately or need to be scheduled for replacement now. The survey, also shows that just 16% of markings on England’s motorways and 13% on single carriageways make the “excellent” grade.

The section of road surveyed in England that scored the lowest rating was a section of the M3 between Bagshot and Camberley, which was found to have 94% of markings in need of replacing or in need of being scheduled for replacement.

The section of road surveyed which scored the highest rating with 0% of markings in need of replacing and 99% in the “excellent” grade was on A34 from the junction of the A44 (Kidlington) and the M40 (Bicester).

National director of the RSMA, George Lee said: ‘It is shameful that half of the markings on roads in England are so worn out that they need to be replaced. These markings have already been paid for because we, as taxpayers, are paying to have the roads maintained properly, including the markings, and this is just not happening. The robust evidence in our survey and in this report proves this to be the case.’

The RSMA added that it met with the Highways Agency prior to publishing the report to share with them the findings of the survey. The agency has welcomed the opportunity of working with the RSMA to ‘understand the results further’.

‘The humble white line can save lives and it is therefore important that they are maintained to a sufficient standard that they do their job properly. If a line is so worn that it cannot be seen, it may as well not be there,’ concluded George Lee. 

Full details of LifeLines England and a copy of the report are available at www.comparethemarkings.com