Recurring concern

Inadequate road markings for road-user safety

First to latest report 17 Oct 2013 — 2 Feb 2026

Reports that mention this concern
34
Times this concern has been raised
37
Stated actions linked to this concern
38

What this concern includes

Includes failures of road-marking controls on public roads, including absence, deterioration, illegibility, inadequate prominence, failure to highlight hazards and inadequate assessment or specification of required markings, where the marking deficiency creates a road-safety risk.

What is not included
  • Excludes road signage, street lighting, road layout, visibility or surface defects when no road-marking deficiency is identified.
  • Excludes generic highway maintenance, inspection or risk-assessment failures unless they directly concern the provision, condition or assessment of road markings.
  • Excludes markings dedicated to non-road settings, such as railway platforms, unless the assertion concerns public-road markings.
  • Excludes the underlying hazard, such as a pothole or unsafe junction, when the road-marking control is not itself deficient.

Reports and published responses 34 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. Powys, Bridgend and Glamorgan Valleys

    AI-generated summary

    Alan Derek Evans · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Alan Derek Evans died at the scene after losing control of his motorcycle while overtaking on the A489, colliding with an oncoming vehicle and being run over by another vehicle. Concerns included the road’s single broken white line and whether a protruding old-style cat’s eye may have contributed to the loss of control.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate road markings permitting overtaking on a road with a side entrance and obscured visibility

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The road at this particular location is governed by a single broken white line indicating that overtaking is permitted. Given the layout of the road, the existence of a side entrance to it, the impact of hedges obscuring the view of the road consideration, in my opinion, ought to be given to putting double white line markings on this particular stretch of road. ”

    Source location

    Alan Derek Evans · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  2. Avon

    AI-generated summary

    Miss Yasmin Mary Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Miss Yasmin Mary Richards died at the scene after her Ford Ka crossed into the opposing carriageway and collided with a Range Rover on the A46 on 2 November 2013. The inquest heard that worn and under-inflated tyres contributed to the collision, alongside the vehicle’s speed and the driver’s inexperience. Concerns were raised about repeated collisions on the same section of road and the adequacy of the speed limit, signs, carriageway markings and other measures at the bends.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate road signs and carriageway markings warning drivers about the severity of approaching bends

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Notwithstanding the contribution made to this collision by the condition of the tyres of Ford Ka this is the second Inquest I have conducted within the past 12 months into the death of a driver who lost control of their vehicle on the same section of the A46. (2)The speed limit in the section of the A46 known as the 'Hartley Bends' should be reviewed and reduced so as to improve the safety of drivers as they approach these bends. (3) The road signs including carriageway markings should be reviewed and improved so as to provide greater warning to drivers as to the severity of the approaching bends. (4) Consideration be given to the provision of ‘rumble strips’ in advance of the bends so as to further encourage the reduction in the speed of vehicles as they approach the bends. ”

    Source location

    Miss Yasmin Mary Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Install vehicle-activated signs on both approaches to Hartley Bends.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Interactive vehicle activated signs (VAS) to be installed on the north and southbound approaches to Hartley Bends. These signs visually are activated by high speed and advise drivers to slow down and of the geometric hazards ahead;”

    Source location

    2014-0193-Response-by-Highway-Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 28 April 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Rumble strips are unsuitable on single-carriageway bends because they may reduce traction, create hazards for oncoming vehicles and increase noise.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In section 5(3) of your report you make reference to ‘rumble strips’. I believe you are referring to yellow bar markings as used on the approaches to roundabouts. These are not considered suitable for use on single carriageway roads as they need to be laid verge to verge in order for their extremities not to cause a hazard to oncoming vehicles and if used on bends such as the A46 can reduce traction for vehicles. There are also adverse environmental effects such as increased noise.”

    Source location

    2014-0193-Response-by-Highway-Agency
    Page 2 · response
    Published 28 April 2014

    Open published response

  3. East Sussex

    AI-generated summary

    Mustafa Cicek · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mustafa Cicek died following a road traffic collision on the A21 when his Ford Fiesta left the carriageway on a bend and struck a fixed structure. The concerns identified included the bend being a collision black spot, inadequate chevron-sign visibility, a potentially hazardous sapling, and the need for a “SLOW” road marking.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of a SLOW carriageway marking on the approach to the bend

    Wider context from the report

    “(4) Consideration should be given to painting “SLOW” in the carriageway on the approach to the bend. ”

    Source location

    Mustafa Cicek · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide additional SLOW road markings on the carriageway.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We have completed:-”

    Source location

    Response from Highways Agency
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 January 2014

    Open published response

  4. Inner North London

    AI-generated summary

    Brian Robert DORLING and Philippine Marthe Anne Marie de GERIN-RICARD · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Brian Robert Dorling and Philippine Marthe Anne Marie de Gerin-Ricard died in separate collisions involving the pedal cycles they were riding and heavy goods vehicles on Cycle Super Highway 2 in London. The concerns included confusion caused by unbordered blue strips, the need for better education about safer cycling and driving techniques, and the difficulty of negotiating the junction where Ms de Gerin-Ricard sustained her fatal injuries.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Use of unbordered blue strips that confuse cyclists and motorists about cycle-lane status and positioning

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Whilst the cycle super highways have been implemented with a range of measures that many cyclists have found helpful, the unbordered blue strips that have been painted on some roads are confusing. I heard evidence that many cyclists and motorists simply do not appreciate that such a blue strip without a white line border (whether unbroken or broken) is not a cycle lane. Whilst research has been carried out into the effect of the cycle super highways, no research has been carried out specifically into the effect of unbordered blue strips. The confusion has the following potential consequences. • Cyclists wrongly assume (as Mr Dorling may have done) that they have priority, and are lulled into a false sense of security. • Cyclists believe that they have to ride on the blue strips, which may not be the correct position for them to assume in particular circumstances, most particularly when going round a roundabout. • Motorists’ awareness of the possible presence of cyclists is raised, but they expect these cyclists to be on the blue strips, which the cyclists may not be if they are assuming the safest position, particularly when going round a roundabout. • When the strips are painted within a lane that is plainly not wide enough to accommodate vehicular and cycle traffic, motorists may form the incorrect view that they have to stay out of the strip and so straddle lanes, rather than simply overtaking a cyclist at the appropriate time. • Alternatively, motorists may drive over the blue strips, which they are perfectly entitled to do, but then get into the habit of driving over coloured strips, and not notice when these are actually bordered by white lines and so are cycle lanes. Thus, cyclists riding in cycle lanes elsewhere in London and the rest of the country, are put in greater danger. ”

    Source location

    Brian Robert DORLING and Philippine Marthe Anne Marie de GERIN-RICARD · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Commission, manage, review and act on research into coloured cycle-route surfacing and road-user interaction.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As was included in the evidence from ████████ TfL had commissioned research into the use of unbordered blue surfacing on the Cycle Superhighways. Further research into the use of coloured carriageway surfacing on cycle routes (and in particular Cycle Superhighways) and the interaction of road users with regards to that colour. That research will be commissioned, managed, reviewed and acted upon by TfL. TfL anticipate that it will take six months to conclude and we will let you know the findings of this work once complete.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 1 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Consider changes to current and planned Cycle Superhighway designs after the further surfacing research concludes.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Pending the completion of this further research TfL will consider what actions, if any, should be taken with regards to the current design of Cycle Superhighway extensions and upgrades as well as on new Cycle Superhighway routes.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 1 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Suspend new applications of unbordered blue surfacing through signal-controlled junctions pending risk assessment and further research.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “There is evidence provided through existing research, commissioned by TfL, that there are safety benefits from the use of unbordered blue surface through signalised junctions. However there is currently no evidence to address the observational claims of a ‘false sense of security’ for cyclists. Such use of unbordered blue therefore becomes a balance between an established benefit and a potential risk.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Replace unbordered blue surfacing at signal-controlled junctions with logo patches, retaining blue patches where junctions contain yellow boxes.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In the meantime, where unbordered blue surface was to be used across signal controlled junctions, it will be replaced by appropriately sized and placed ‘logo patches’ which will comprise a square patch of blue colour with a cycle and the Cycle Superhighway route number logo marked in white on top. Where a junction contains a yellow box, the white logo markings will not be used, but the blue patches will be retained. This will retain some of the demonstrated benefits of the blue surface strips, but will not provide any opportunity to be mistaken as any form of continuous cycle lane marking.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Minimise unbordered blue surfacing at priority junctions and use blue surfacing with dashed white lane markings wherever possible.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Unbordered blue surface at priority junctions”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Minimise unbordered blue surfacing near signalised junctions and on route links, using logo patches or advisory line markings where appropriate.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Unbordered blue surface on the approach to and exit from signalised junctions”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue using advisory cycle lanes with dashed white lines through signal-controlled junctions on Cycle Superhighway 2.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Blue colour through signal controlled junctions”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 3 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Replace existing blue surfacing at Bow Roundabout’s north-west and south-west slip roads with blue logo patches.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Unbordered blue surface across the entry and exit slip roads at Bow Roundabout”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 3 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Avoid applying unbordered blue surfacing at Bow Roundabout’s north-east and south-east slip roads pending further research.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Unbordered blue surface across the entry and exit slip roads at Bow Roundabout”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 3 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The existence of cyclist and road-user confusion from unbordered blue surfacing is neither substantiated nor negated by existing research.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The acknowledgement in your report that the current use of unbordered blue surfacing may have consequences in terms of the perceptions and behaviours of cyclists and other road users is noted. You refer to the fact that possible confusion (the existence of which is neither substantiated nor negated by any existing research) has “potential” consequences, without stating definitively that these consequences arise, or have arisen, in practice.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 1 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Further research is required before implementing new unbordered blue surfacing or retrospectively removing existing applications.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Until the potential risk can be properly assessed through further research, no new applications of unbordered blue surface through signal controlled junctions will be implemented. Unbordered blue surface may be adopted and applied again in the future if a net safety benefit is concluded as a result of consideration and further research.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Blue surfacing will be retained in bus lanes because mandatory markings and bus-lane enforcement provide cyclists with formally protected space.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “A 1.5m wide blue surface will be retained in bus lanes as the enforcement of the bus lane itself (at the minimum operating during peak usage times for cars commuting cyclists, and sometimes for longer) provides a formally protected space for cyclists, with a mandatory line at the edge of the bus lane.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Unbordered blue surfacing will be retained at limited locations where lane width prevents formal cycle-lane markings and traffic conflict is not expected.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In a limited number of circumstances, where there is insufficient lane width to formally mark an advisory or mandatory cycle lane, the unbordered blue will be retained where there is no potential conflict with left turning vehicles and there is considered to be benefits to cyclists as there is sufficient room for most motorised traffic to avoid overrunning the blue surface.”

    Source location

    2013-0265-Response-by-Mayor-of-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 17 October 2013

    Open published response

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026