Could white lane markings be axed from UK roads?

Following experiments with removing central lane markings situated on busy streets around Croydon and Haringey by Transport For London (TfL), studies show that average speeds have fallen by 13 per cent.

The studies have also shown that in some instances drivers slowed down by more than 8mph compared with data from before the experiments with lane markings took place.

As a result of the positive impact that these tests have had on controlling speeds, TfL argue that a decrease in average speeds of just one mile per hour is associated with approximately a five per cent reduction in accident.

The success of TfL's tests on removing lane markings has triggered even more experiments across the country, with Norfolk, Wiltshire and Derby councils all removing centre white lanes from specific roads.

Alan Bristow, Director of Road Space Management at TfL said: "The results were positive and the trial sites are monitored closely to understand the longer term effects, and we will take account of the findings of this research in the development of future schemes.

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There are no current plans for any widespread removal of road markings, according to the TfL, and with the prospect that removing the highly visible markings could cause difficulty when driving at night, it may take a few more tests to convince the UK public.