Almost half of road markings in Scotland need replacing

Forty three per cent of markings in Scotland should be replaced immediately or need to be scheduled for replacement, according to a report released by the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA).

The RSMA is to work with Transport Scotland to improve the quality of road markings on routes across the country. This follows the publication of the LifeLines Scotland report which found the standard of road safety markings on the country’s roads to be of “significant concern” and in places inadequate.

The report, which is published today (6 March), is based on a survey of 1,100 km of Scotland’s roads between July and September last year.

The RSMA has been encouraged by discussions with Transport Scotland, the Scottish government agency responsible for the country’s trunk roads and motorways. Transport Scotland has given an assurance that it will use the findings of the RSMA’s survey to improve the quality and safety of the country’s roads.

The two organisations are now working to see where improvements can be made. Transport Scotland will map the report’s findings onto its own network data and will concentrate its efforts on improving the quality of markings where they are significantly below standard.

“We are greatly encouraged by Transport Scotland’s pragmatic approach in taking on board data from this independent survey of roads under its control,” said George Lee, head of the RSMA. “It indicates an encouraging willingness to engage with others in striving for the safest possible roads for Scotland.”

Graham Edmond, Transport Scotland’s head of network maintenance and a member of the Highways Magazine editorial board, added: “Road markings are vital to the safety of road users and the RSMA report is an excellent addition to our toolkit. We welcome the opportunity to work with the industry to drive up standards and jointly to develop innovated ways to increasing the quality and durability of road markings to enhance safety and value for money.”

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