Plans to erase white markings on centre of UK roads
- Feb 5, 2016
- EmmaArnold
The central white lines on some roads in the UK have been removed in an attempt to slow motorists down.
Transport for London (TfL) suggested speeds have significantly reduced by as much as 8mph on one road. Three A roads in London were recently resurfaced and the central markings were also erased.
Highway chiefs say that blank roads introduce a sense of uncertainty which then makes drivers more cautious especially when driving towards oncoming traffic.
They say how this then causes drivers to slow down and by reducing their speed, this could reduce the number of road traffic accidents.
This was supported by a report from TfL which suggested the white lines gave drivers a 'psychological sense of confidence' and therefore removing these lines introduced caution.
Hugh Potter, Partner at PotterReesDolan said:
This is very interesting. I am hugely in favour of reducing urban speed but without white lines might cars be more likely to cross over towards me?
However, the AA have argued that faster roads definitely need central lines as do modern cars which are fitted with lane departure systems.
In contrast, the road safety charity RoadPeace has reportedly applauded the idea saying that the scheme is key to reducing speed as road police budgeting is cut.