Old road markings that need to be repainted are making driving on the UK’s roads more dangerous, with 92% of motorists saying safety has got worse.
New research from the RAC, based on 1,693 UK drivers, found that 21% of drivers say most road markings in their local area have faded away, while a further 71% report that at least some markings are no longer clearly visible.
Nearly three-quarters of drivers surveyed (72%) believe the problem has worsened in the past five years. The findings suggest deteriorating road markings are contributing to rising safety risks for drivers and other road users.
The most commonly faded markings are centre lines separating traffic, including single, double and broken white lines, cited by 50% of drivers. Almost half, 48%, say directional arrows at roundabouts and junctions have faded, while 44% report that give way markings have disappeared.
Drivers also reported the loss of yellow box markings at junctions (43%), stop lines at junctions (41%), and speed limit signs painted on the road (36%). Other markings reported as worn away include zebra crossings at 24%, bus or cycle lane markings at 22%, areas of hatching at 29% and cycle boxes or advanced stop lines at traffic lights at 17%.
Guessing lane positions, ended up in the wrong lane and getting beeped by other drivers were among the consequences of the disappearing lines and symbols. 84% of drivers who took part in the survey felt that road safety could be improved if markings were clear.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “Drivers are widely reporting that road markings have been left to fade into obscurity, making roads less safe as a result.
“The problem appears to have progressively worsened as a majority of drivers say the visibility of markings has deteriorated in the last five years.
“And, while all painted lines are important to ensure drivers do the right thing, the fact that some, such as those dividing lanes and even stop lines, are disappearing is troubling. While the Government has just published the country’s first road safety strategy in more than a decade, this is one key area that shouldn’t be forgotten."
