The Primary Colours Of Parking: What Yellow Lines, Red Lines, And Blue Badges Really Mean

Road markings are crucial for telling drivers where they can park. But not every driver knows The Highway Code inside-out, and many don’t know the exact rules regarding yellow lines, red lines, and blue badges. If you’re not 100% confident about road markings and what they mean, this guide will clear up any confusion.

Single-yellow lines

Yellow lines restrict parking on the pavement, verge, and road.

Single-yellows prohibit parking between particular times and on particular days, which are indicated on yellow UK road signs. However, stopping to allow passengers to board is always allowed.

Stopping to load or unload is different. As a default, it is allowed. However, a single yellow dash on or by the kerb indicates that loading and unloading are restricted to certain times, which are indicated on black-and-white signs.

Double-yellow lines

Double-yellows prohibit parking at any time. They also prohibit waiting to load or unload goods, and to allow passengers to board. The common assumption that double-yellow lines don’t apply on Sundays or Bank Holidays is a myth. The only exception comes if a yellow sign indicates that the double-yellows only apply between particular dates.

Red lines

Like yellow lines, single-red lines prohibit parking during particular times, and double-red lines prohibit parking at all times. However, unlike with yellow lines, there are no exceptions for stopping to load or unload goods or to allow passengers to board.

Blue badges

Blue badge holders can park on double- and single-yellow lines for up to three hours at any time – but they cannot park on red lines of any kind, except outside of restricted times.

Get in touch

If you require professional road markings painted, contact Highways East Midlands for a free quote. We can deliver a range of high-quality, long-lasting markings options.

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Effective Road Markings Increase Road Safety

Road markings are used on streets and major thoroughfares to inform and warn motorists and pedestrians. They make a significant contribution to maintaining safe and orderly traffic flow. Along with traffic signs, they follow national regulations and standards to ensure consistency. They need to be visible in any weather condition and should convey information in an unambiguous way. Here are some important points to ensure that road markings are working effectively.

Clear Paint

Make sure that markings are clearly painted to indicate any particular hazards ahead. For instance, a white diamond painted on the road can warn motorists that they are approaching a pedestrian crossing. This marking will require them to reduce their speed.

Regular Maintenance

It is important for road markings to remain visible at all times. However, the paint can fade and wear over time. This makes it difficult for vehicles to stay in the right lane. As such, you need to frequently repaint the roads to ensure safety.

Improve visibility

As some roads are not well lit, road markings should be visible even when it’s dark. To improve the markings, mix reflective glass beads into the paint before applying onto the surface. It can increase the visibility of the markings in wet conditions and at night. It is also an economical way to improve traffic guidance and safety.

If you are in need of road markings for business parks and private roads, Highways East Midlands, can help you. We aim to deliver an exceptional service that suits any budget. All of our machinery and materials comply with demanding tests and performance standards to ensure that we are providing you with the best. For more information regarding our services, contact us on 0845 6262 444 or info@highwayseastmidlands.co.uk.

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Why No Road Markings Are An Invitation For Accidents

According to the Road Traffic Act of 1988, roads have to be reasonably safe for their users. Therefore, roads that have no markings, faded lines or poorly drawn markings are at risk of violating the law. Road markings are important as they give instructions to drivers as well as the public, meaning their absence could result in unsafe conditions leading to accidents.

Both the highway authorities and owners of private roads have a duty to make roads as safe as possible for cars, so road markings should be at the top of their lists.

When do poor road markings cause accidents?

A scenario where a lack of road markings could cause an accident is where there is no indication of an upcoming junction. Roads that turn at 90-degree angles need to be marked if they become a new road after the turn. Without this, drivers will believe the same road to simply be continuing on, leaving them vulnerable to being hit by a car from the side.

Can no road markings cause accidents in car parks?

There is even the possibility of collisions in car parks if there are no road markings. Arrows on the ground indicate the routes cars should take and direct them safely towards entrances and exits. Cars could easily collide if using the wrong entrance or exit, especially if the car park is near a busy road requiring a swift turn to enter.

Get in touch

Here at Highways East Midlands LTD, we’re committed to offering customers high-quality line marking paint for car parks and roads. Whether you’re looking for road marking yellow paint or temporary tape, we have a wide range of products for you to choose from.

The post Why No Road Markings Are An Invitation For Accidents appeared first on Highways East Midlands.