Closed
No white lines or cats eyes
Reported via mobile in the Road markings and lining category anonymously at 10:15, Tue 7 September 2021
Sent to Central Bedfordshire Council less than a minute later. Council ref: 361245.
No white lines or cats eyes on the hill from Harlington down to Sharpenhoe. This is a really dangerous hill with several twists and turns and drivers are always going on the wrong side of the road!
Updates
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State changed to: Investigating
Updated by Central Bedfordshire Council at 10:16, Tue 7 September 2021
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After consultating with our Transportation team on the safety aspects, they have advised me of the following
Each road is reviewed when resurfaced, to ensure that the road markings are proportionate, consistent and compliant with both legislation and best practice.
Generally the level/standard of road marking subsequent to resurfacing will follow standards below as a starting point; however, that is only the starting point, and they may then be reviewed on an individual basis
A roads line to current standards (this will always involve a review to ensure the effectiveness and appropriateness of lining).
B roads - line to current standards (as above) consider reduction / omission of lining in specific areas if appropriate.
C roads non strategic roads may or may not be wider than 5.5m. Decision based on topography, speed flows and composition of traffic, safety records, geometry of road, width, adjacent development and land use, historic or conservation areas, and any other physical influences.
UC (unclassified roads) - rural and village situations (unclassified roads generally lanes less than 5.5m) Presumption of no lines except where required for safety or protection of edges or adjacent structures.
The omission of centre lines has also been found to and encourage slower speeds and more courteous driving. In circumstances where the roads are narrower they can mislead drivers into thinking that there is sufficient space to pass one and other when there may not be , leading to potential conflicts. Without them this issue does not occur and drivers have to assess the situation themselves.Conversely, providing centre and edge lines on rural roads (as would be the case on higher class strategic routes designed for high flow/capacity routes), can introduce over confidence in drivers and encourage them to drive at inappropriate speeds. Drivers often think that they know where the road goes (which they may not), but fail to appreciate what may be around the corner and do not allow sufficient distance in which to react to or avoid common issues found on rural roads i.e. slow moving agricultural vehicles, equestrians, cyclists pedestrian, parked vehicles etc.
With Harlington Road and similar being narrower minor rural roads, the centre lines are often omitted as there is insufficient width to support centre lines (as mentioned above). Not only that, the over use of them can dilute their effective ness as they become like wall paper. Their meaning and warnings are lost and the public no longer understand them. By highlighting specific hazards drivers can be better prepared and aware of the changing nature of the road and drive in a more appropriate manner. They are rural village access roads, their character is not that of fast strategic routes, should not be treated that way and are thus not signed and lined to such a high standard as that would be inappropriate.
State changed to: No further action
Posted by Central Bedfordshire Council at 09:27, Fri 17 September 2021
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