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. West Sussex

    AI-generated summary

    Keith Winston Battman · 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

    Keith Winston Battman was seriously injured when his motorcycle collided with a minibus on the A285 on 10 October 2018, and he died in hospital on 28 October 2018. The report raised concerns that the bend was insufficiently warned by chevrons, the speed-limit sign and faded road markings, and that further improvements to the road may be needed.

    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

    Faded and insufficiently prominent road “Slow” markings

    Wider context from the report

    “3. There are two “Slow” markings on the road but I am concerned that these are faded and may not be sufficiently prominent. ”

    Source location

    Keith Winston Battman · 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

    Refresh the give-way, SLOW and junction markings at the Seaford College entrance.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3. One of the recommendations arising from our investigation following the collision was to refresh the give way lining at the Seaford College junction. Following receipt of your report the two painted SLOWs have been added to this programme of works. We anticipate that this work will be completed by the end of this August.”

    Source location

    2019-0231-Response-by-West-Sussex-County-Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 13 September 2019

    Open published response

  2. Dorset

    AI-generated summary

    Richard Stanley Lee Hallett · 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

    Richard Stanley Lee Hallett was riding a motorcycle when it collided with a white Iveco van at a junction in Poundbury on 14 September 2018. He sustained severe head injuries and died in hospital two days later; concerns were raised about the lack of road markings and parking restrictions, which reduced sightlines and increased the risk of collisions at junctions.

    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 road markings indicating right of way at junctions

    Wider context from the report

    “1. During the inquest evidence was heard that: i. There are no road markings in the Poundbury estate to indicate which vehicle has the right of way when reaching a junction. In addition, parking appears to be permitted along the length of Lower Blakemere Road, which forces vehicles travelling in a northerly direction into the oncoming carriageway. Police evidence indicated that this reduced the sightline of the driver of the Iveco van when looking into Harewood Road to look for oncoming traffic. 2. I have concerns with regard to the following: i. The lack of parking restrictions on Lower Blakemere Road result in the drivers that use that road having a reduced sightlines when approaching junctions. Such drivers are not able to see traffic approaching the junctions until very late, and as no vehicle would appear to have the right of way, the risk of collision would appear to be increased. ”

    Source location

    Richard Stanley Lee Hallett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    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

    Restricted road markings and signage are considered appropriate because road users should rely on personal responsibility and direct engagement.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The extent of road markings and general signage is purposely restricted as part of the highway design, with approval from Dorset Council Highways Department. The approach being to:”

    Source location

    Response from Duchy of Cornwall
    Page 1 · response
    Published 22 August 2019

    Open published response

  3. County Durham and Darlington

    AI-generated summary

    Shaun David Neal · 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

    Shaun David Neal was killed in a road traffic collision while riding his motorcycle on the A68 near Tow Law, County Durham, on 2 September 2017. An oncoming vehicle struck him after overtaking in the opposing lane, causing fatal injuries. Concerns related to the use of broken hazard white lines at the collision location and expert evidence that double solid white lines might have prevented the overtaking manoeuvre.

    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

    Failure to provide double solid white line markings to prevent overtaking at the collision location

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Evidence heard at inquest confirms only ‘broken’ white line hazard road markings were present on the road surface at the location of the collision 2. Durham County Council Traffic Section have surveyed the scene and found no requirement to change the road markings from broken hazard white lines to double solid white lines as it was thought a short section of double white lines may confuse drivers. 3. Expert evidence from a police collision investigator believed the presence of double white solid line markings would, in a driver obeying the restriction prevent such a manoeuvre that led to the collision, by removing the option to overtake on that section of road. ”

    Source location

    Shaun David Neal · 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

    Order recovery of worn road markings near Hermitage Bridge.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “No. | Observation / Recommendation | Action 1 | As part of the general maintenance programme, at the earliest | An order was placed for the recovery of road markings in the vicinity of Hermitage Bridge.”

    Source location

    2019-0009-Response-by-Durham-County-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 14 June 2019

    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

    Survey visibility to determine whether additional double white lines were justified.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3 | Given the observations made in the visibility at junctions and bends section, determine the requirement for additional highway infrastructure such as supplementary road markings and upright signing. | A visibility survey was undertaken to determine whether a system of double white lines was required. Such a system was not identified as being justified.”

    Source location

    2019-0009-Response-by-Durham-County-Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 14 June 2019

    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

    Double white lines were not justified because visibility and accident-history criteria were unmet; the existing hazard marking was considered appropriate.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• It is concluded that the criteria for the provision of a system of double white lines has not been met and there is no previous history of overtaking accidents associated with impaired forward visibility at this location. Therefore, there is no”

    Source location

    2019-0009-Response-by-Durham-County-Council
    Page 3 · response
    Published 14 June 2019

    Open published response

  4. Inner South London

    AI-generated summary

    Julia Luxmore Peto · 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

    On 16 September 2018, Julia Luxmore Peto was struck by a bus while crossing Deptford Broadway and suffered a catastrophic head injury; she died in hospital the following day. The principal concern was that pedestrians might be distracted or confused by green pedestrian signals visible across the other carriageway at two-stage crossings, with wider concern about similar crossings lacking louvres and road markings to indicate traffic direction.

    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 road markings warning pedestrians of traffic direction at two-stage pedestrian crossings

    Wider context from the report

    “TfL informed me, at the inquest, that they are putting in place “Look Left” and “Look Right” markings on the road to inform pedestrians on the direction of approaching traffic (A copy of the TfL report to me is appended for ease of reference. This contains a useful plan and photographs). From the evidence I heard I am satisfied that these particular changes would not have a wider impact on traffic flow but would improve the safety of pedestrians. I was pleased to hear that TfL had taken proactive practical measures to reduce the risk at this particular junction but I remain concerned that there are likely be other “two stage” pedestrian crossings throughout England and Wales which also do not currently have louvres to prevent pedestrian ‘see-through’ and road markings to warn pedestrians of traffic direction. I am therefore of the view that I am under a duty to report this wider concern to the Department of Transport to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of fatalities and serious injuries at two stage crossings throughout England and Wales. ”

    Source location

    Julia Luxmore Peto · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    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

    Local traffic management responsibility rests with Transport for London as the relevant highways authority, rather than the Department.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The responsibility for traffic management on local roads rests with the relevant local highways authority; in this case Transport for London, as they are best placed to consider how to use a range of traffic management measures so that local needs can be effectively met. My Department’s role is to provide the overarching strategy and policy context, as well as guidance to help them in managing their roads.”

    Source location

    2019-0119-Response-from-the-Department-for-Transport_Redacted
    Page 1 · response
    Published 9 June 2019

    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

    Existing pedestrian-crossing guidance, soon to be updated in Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 6, makes further action unnecessary.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Guidance on pedestrian crossings is currently provided in two documents: Traffic Advisory Leaflet 5/05: Pedestrian Facilities at Signal-Controlled Junctions, and Local Transport Note 2/95: The Design of Pedestrian Crossings. These provide advice on the phasing and staging of pedestrian movements as well pedestrian crossing display sequencing.”

    Source location

    2019-0119-Response-from-the-Department-for-Transport_Redacted
    Page 1 · response
    Published 9 June 2019

    Open published response

  5. West Yorkshire (Western)

    AI-generated summary

    Robert Irwin Norton · 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

    Robert Irwin Norton sustained fatal injuries in a motorcycle collision at a roundabout on 5 April 2018. The concerns identified were the poor legibility of road markings and potential confusion about the correct lane for exiting onto the M62 slip road.

    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

    Potential illegibility of painted road markings

    Wider context from the report

    “To consider the existing legibility of the painted road markings ”

    Source location

    Robert Irwin Norton · 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

    Continue regularly inspecting the road lining and renew it when required.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I will therefore continue to inspect the lining on a regular basis and renew as required.”

    Source location

    Response from Calderdale Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 1 November 2019

    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 road markings were clearly legible and in acceptable condition, contrary to the concern about inadequate or unclear white lining.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I have now studied photographs of the white lining which were taken by one of my engineers shortly after the accident took place. As you can see from the photograph below, the lining itself is clearly legible which is supported by his overall assessment of the general condition (also included for completeness).”

    Source location

    Response from Calderdale Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 1 November 2019

    Open published response

  6. Inner South London

    AI-generated summary

    Paul Fairey · 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

    Paul Fairey was a pedestrian who was struck by a northbound car on Mayow Rd at about 00.40 on 23 September 2017 and later died from a severe head injury. Concerns included poor visibility caused by tree foliage, a faded road marking, and a speed cushion that could be straddled and was beginning to break up; the evidence also indicated that the car was travelling above the 20mph speed limit.

    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

    Failure of painted SLOW road marking to remain clearly visible to motorists

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) There is a painted “SLOW” on the north bound lane near to the collision site. The evidence was that this sign has faded and may not be clearly visible to a motorist. ”

    Source location

    Paul Fairey · 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

    Remark the northbound and southbound “SLOW” road markings approaching the pedestrian crossing.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Response - The northbound "SLOW" marking approaching the crossing point was remarked in December 2017. The southbound slow marking approaching the crossing point was also remarked.”

    Source location

    Response from Lewisham
    Page 1 · response
    Published 21 December 2018

    Open published response

  7. Wiltshire and Swindon

    AI-generated summary

    Nana Kwabena Boansi BOATENG · 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

    Nana Kwabena Boansi BOATENG died at the scene on 24 December 2017 from chest trauma with haemorrhage after his car collided with a DAF light goods vehicle on the A429. The principal concern was that severely worn or absent central road markings and non-functioning cats’ eyes on the bend might have contributed to loss of positional awareness and created a road-safety risk.

    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

    Failure to maintain visible central road markings on the sharp left-hand bend

    Wider context from the report

    “During the course of the inquest the evidence I had been provided with a copy of a collision investigation report prepared by ████████ of Wiltshire Constabulary. In the report I had regard to a number of photographs but in particular I noted a photograph that appeared on page 29 of 39 of his report which showed the approach to the left hand bend where the incident took place at night. As part of any road traffic Inquest I use Google Earth and in particular the “street view” function in order to get a feel for the location where the incident took place. I have included with this report three additional pictures of the location that have been lifted from Google Earth. The imagery was as at May 2017 according to the web browser which of course was some seven months prior to Nana’s death. The photographs show the northern approach to the left-hand bend which is exactly the same path that Nana would have been travelling on that Christmas Eve morning. Whilst the state of the road surface appears to be in good condition what is not in good condition are the road markings. It is clear from the first picture that this section of road being a sharp left-hand bend travelling south is subject to no overtaking restrictions in both directions. Looking at the photographs the white lines that should be present in the centre of the highway have been significantly worn away to the extent that immediately approaching the left-hand bend they are non-existent. I was informed and as can be seen from the photograph in the police collision report, the cats eyes are also not in working condition. I appreciate that one should drive at a speed relative to the road conditions but in this instance, it is clear from the photographs that the road markings effectively suddenly disappear as a result of road wear. Whilst I was not able to make a finding on a balance of probabilities that the absence and the poor state of these central road markings more likely than not contributed to Nana losing positional awareness on the highway and crossing onto the opposite side of the highway where upon a collision then ensued as he attempted to return to his side of the highway, it does remain a possibility hence this report. I am sure you will appreciate road markings provide not only guidance to road users so that they can position their vehicle accordingly on the public highway but also serve to provide information to road users, as in this case, that this section of highway was subject to no overtaking in both directions. I would ask in view of this report that you urgently review this section of highway as its current state in terms of road markings is of great concern to me. ”

    Source location

    Nana Kwabena Boansi BOATENG · 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

    Relay road markings on the bend by the end of October.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “However, it is recognised that road markings can play a significant role in the overall efficiency and safety of the highway network. Unfortunately, due to funding shortfalls in recent years there has been a deterioration of road marking condition on many roads nationally. This has been recognised in Wiltshire and funding has been allocated to address this in the current highways budgets.”

    Source location

    Response from Wiltshire Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 7 January 2019

    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

    Highway authorities are not legally required to provide road markings; drivers must adapt their driving to encountered conditions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I would firstly advise that there is no obligation upon Highway Authority’s in the United Kingdom to provide any road markings, be this centre lines, edge lines or any other markings. It is for the driver to adjust their driving style to the conditions that are encountered and drive appropriately.”

    Source location

    Response from Wiltshire Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 7 January 2019

    Open published response

  8. Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire

    AI-generated summary

    Herbert John Bernard Francis · 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

    Herbert John Bernard Francis was driving towards the A40 when he failed to stop at the junction and collided with an articulated heavy goods vehicle, dying at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. The concerns identified related to road safety measures, including improved markings and warning signs, changes to filter lanes, and consideration of lower or advisory speed limits.

    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 road markings and early warning signs on the approach to the main A40 from Redstone Road

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The approach to the main A40 from Redstone Road could be further enhanced with the introduction of road markings and early warning signs. That consideration should be given to the re-positioning of the national speed limit signs from their current location to closer to the mouth of the junction. ”

    Source location

    Herbert John Bernard Francis · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  9. Isle of Wight

    AI-generated summary

    Lee Garfield DANIEL · 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

    Lee Garfield DANIEL died in hospital on 8 September 2016 after sustaining massive traumatic injuries in a motorcycle collision on Coach Lane, Brading, followed by impact from a second vehicle. The report raised concerns about the absence of double yellow lines where vehicles could legally park, which required Mr DANIEL to cross onto the wrong side of the road and affected visibility for vehicles turning across the lane.

    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 double yellow lines preventing lawful parking on the 20 metre portion of Coach Lane

    Wider context from the report

    “1. I have concerns about the road markings in Coach Lane, Brading. Had there been double yellow lines at the portion of the road where there were several legally parked vehicles (denoted on the attached map in the 20 metre boxed area), there would have been no necessity for Mr DANIEL to cross over onto the wrong side of the road, thereby affecting his visibility to any vehicle seeking to turn right across Coach Lane into Park Road. The extension of double yellow lines at that 20 metre portion of Coach Lane where cars can currently be lawfully parked can only enhance the safety of that stretch of road for the road users travelling in each direction. ”

    Source location

    Lee Garfield DANIEL · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    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 council disputes that the highway condition or layout contributed to the incident or that the recommended parking restrictions would enhance road safety.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “1.1 The council noted the content of the report including the “summary” which concluded that “there is nothing to indicate that the highway condition or layout contributed to this incident”. On that basis it was determined that no review was necessary in respect of existing network controls in this location.”

    Source location

    Lee-Daniel-Response
    Page 1 · response
    Published 12 January 2018

    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 council considers the existing junction layout compliant with highway standards and good practice, so it will not change the parking restrictions.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Isle of Wight Council do not plan to implement any changes to the parking restrictions at the junction of Coach Lane and Park Road, Brading. We consider that the current layout is compliant with highway standards and general good practice.”

    Source location

    Lee-Daniel-Response
    Page 2 · response
    Published 12 January 2018

    Open published response

  10. Inner North London

    AI-generated summary

    Sonia Elvira Stante · 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

    Sonia Elvira Stante was struck by a double-decker bus after stepping into the road in London on 10 July 2017, and died from her injuries on 21 July 2017. A review identified concerns about unclear pedestrian crossing arrangements, independently phased signals, missing louvre signage, and possible confusion for foreign visitors.

    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 road markings indicating the direction pedestrians should look when crossing

    Wider context from the report

    “Following the incident ████████ Traffic Management Officer undertook a review of the road traffic layout at the scene. He met with TfL on site on 16 August 2017 and a number of findings were made: (1) No road markings indicating the direction pedestrians should look when crossing (2) Two separate junctions at that location make that crossing confusing for pedestrians (3) The phasing of the green man operates for each carriageway independently so causing confusion for pedestrians who may look at the wrong phasing (4) Missing louvre on the green man on the north side of the crossing making the green man more visible to pedestrians crossing from the south (5) With the location being close to the Eurostar Terminal there are several hotels nearby and foreign visitors may not have a full understanding if the junction. ”

    Source location

    Sonia Elvira Stante · 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 ‘Look left, Look right’ road markings at each pedestrian crossing at the junction.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Road markings (‘matters of concern’ point 1) The provision of ‘Look left, Look right’ markings is assessed by TfL on a site-by-site basis, in line with the national guidance. Following your report, these have been installed at each of the pedestrian crossings at this junction.”

    Source location

    2017-0428-Response-by-Transport-for-London
    Page 2 · response
    Published 27 February 2018

    Open published response

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

Back to top

Data last updated 7 September 2026