The effectiveness of signing and lining

This article comments on a new analysis of the effectiveness of signing and lining treatments, in the report Cosmetic or Crucial?, jointly published by the Association for Road Safety and Traffic Management (ARTSM) and the Road Markings Association (RSMA). The article outlines the reasons for the report, and its findings, and argues that the case for improved signing and lining as a cost-effective road safety and accident reduction measure is more than proven. The report aimed to answer the following questions: (1) What is the future environment that will affect future road safety policy? (2) Do improved signing and lining techniques reduce accidents? and (3) What action should responsible authorities take in the light of the report's analysis? By 2000, the UK will have 12M driving licence holders aged over 55, who will face increased traffic levels at the same time as their mental and physical capabilities are declining. Their difficulties will be especially great at night and in poor weather. Improved signing and lining is one approach to addressing this problem. The article's tables show the results of analysis at five UK sites, showing clearly that the benefits of improved signing and lining greatly exceed the cost of implementing the corresponding road improvements.