All contents copyright ©, Drive and Stay Alive, Inc., 2003 onwards, unless specified otherwise. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT: click here to read the DISCLAIMER

The UK Highways Agency Seeks Opinions on Motorway Markings 

(i.e. highway pavement markings -- U.S. equivalent) 

as Part of a New National Research Project 

14 June 2004

     A new research project investigating the role of road markings in reducing congestion and improving vehicle safety at motorway junctions has been launched by the Highways Agency.

     The initial phase of research will study the response of drivers to chevron markings at motorway junctions. The study will investigate whether there is a link between the length and width of chevron road markings and how frequently motorists overstep them. The results will be used to provide better advice to road designers to form part of new safety standards.

     The consultants carrying out the research would like to hear from other consultants, local authorities and other practitioners who are carrying out similar research, or interested parties who have views on the subject.

     The research is being carried out because, as the number of vehicles on our motorways increases, it becomes more important to regulate the movement of traffic at junctions for the safety of drivers and the smooth flow of traffic. Areas of chevron road markings in the form of "noses" and "ghost islands" are used to separate lanes of traffic flowing in the same direction, and a variety of lengths and widths of these chevron road-marking areas is used across the country to suit local conditions. 

     Gordon Heath, the Highways Agency's senior technical adviser for safety said: "We are looking for views on where specific problems are occurring at motorway junctions on the network, such as where vehicles are crossing solid white line road markings into chevron areas. We would also like to hear about locations where the operation of a motorway merge or diverge is perceived as being very good with few or no transgressions. 

     "We hope the results of this project will enable us to optimise the impact of road markings at motorway junctions and improve both the safety of drivers and the flow of traffic."

Source: The UK Highways Agency

Glossary notes: 

--   A "ghost island" is a central turn lane that is protected from both directions by white chevron markings that visually serve the same purpose as protecting the turn lane by building it into a central reserve (median strip).

--   A "nose" is generally a long, narrow triangle-shaped area of chevron markings which progressively separates an access or exit road (on-ramp or off-ramp) from the main carriageway (main highway).

_______________________________

The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport, which manages, maintains and improves the network of trunk roads and motorways in England on behalf of the Secretary of State. It works closely with other transport operators and with local authorities to integrate the trunk road network with the rest of England's roads and other forms of transport.