National Highways explores new markings profile for centre line safety

17/02/2025 | DOMINIC BROWNE

National Highways explores new markings profile for centre line safety

National Highways is considering bringing in new road marking profiles to raise the audible impact of crossing centre lines, as part of wider updates to the markings sector.

The profile would be targeted at single carriageway roads, which have some of the worst risk factors on the network, notably the danger of cars being involved in head-on collisions due to crossing the centre line. 

The national operator has been discussing the possibility of new profiles with the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) and highlighted this ongoing work at its national conference this month.

Dr Joanna White, research, development and innovation director at National Highways, told delegates: 'We are exploring opportunities for new road marking profiles, which could potentially provide an increased audible effect when the vehicles cross them.

'If viable this could provide additional benefits for use as a centreline marking on single carriageways, helping to deliver our vision that no one should be killed or seriously injured on our roads. My team have had some initial discussions with the RSMA and we look forward to continuing to explore what might be achievable.'

National Highways is also carrying out wider updates to specifications and standards in the road markings and road studs area as part of its renewal of the Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works (MCHW) this year.

Highways covered the update to the MCHW in its latest (January/February) issue, noting that the new version is expected around July.

The Government-owned company has reviewed and is updating Series 1200 (Traffic Signs) of the MCHW, which covers road markings and road studs.

The proposed updates will bring the specification in line 'with current British standards and working practices while also striving for greater durability and quality', Dr White said.

She added: 'To complement the changes to Series 1200, new documents are also being developed which will provide advice or requirements covering the design of temporary and permanent road markings.

'We have also started a review of our standard CS126, which covers the inspection and assessment of road markings and road studs. Our aim is to align the inspection and assessment process and requirements with the updated specification and publish a revised version alongside the new MCHW during 2025.'

Dr White concluded her presentation at the event by noting that 'any new road safety marking product requires testing and certification and I know that the RSMA and my team have for a number of years been investigating the possibility of establishing a new certification site for the UK'.

Real-world testing of new products on the strategic road network has been a major aim of the RSMA for several years but so far negotiations with National Highways have been unable to lock down arrangements that satisfy both sides.  

'Whilst there have been obstacles there is still a desire in my team to identify a solution and I know the RSMA are also still keen to work with us. I am hopeful that we will see some results in this area soon,' Dr White said.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Technician-Road Closures

£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technician - Road Closures (2 Posts)

£29,719 - £31,691
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic, an excellent team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bridge Engineer - WMF2219e

£42,839 - £44,075
We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Bridge Engineer Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Public Transport Officer

£42,839 - £46,142
We are looking for an experienced public transport professional to become our Senior Public Transport Officer. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) (Fixed-Term)

£48,226-£51,356
We are looking for an experienced professional to join as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 to £25,989 per annum
The Waste and Street Scene department requires enthusiastic and committed mobile street cleansing operative. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Technician - Highways Design (2 Posts)

Grade 10 £35,422 - 38,730 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Professional Services Section Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW