The RSMA "Up to the Mark?", Ecodyn Survey has been commissioned by the Association since 1996, covering a representative sample of road markings of nearly 1000km of roads in England and Scotland. Originally bi-annual but since 2001 the survey has been conducted on an annual basis in order to provide an accurate indication of the on going condition of road markings across the country.

Due to a change in the geometry for retro-reflectivity measurements that accompanied the introduction of the European Standards for Road Markings, previous surveys from 1996 and 1998 cannot be accurately compared with results from 2001 onwards.

The October 2003 survey, suffered some weather constraints therefore the sample of road markings tested was reduced to 737 kilometres as a result of this comparative data has been adjusted and re-analysed to provide a like for like comparison with the results produced in 2001 and 2002.

The survey indicates mixed trends since the previous report, different road categories generating different patterns of results. Using the new Highways Agency (HA) standard TD26/04, 29% of road markings fell below the 80mcd intervention level for replacement of markings, while 47% of markings fell into the investigatory category, achieving less than 100mcd.

While an improvement on previous poor results in 2001 and 2002, there are some inconsistencies within the categories, improvements achieved on the motorway network and dual carriageways, while the markings on the single carriageway ‘A’ roads have deteriorated.

Markings Below Proposed National Standard Intervention Level of 80mcd

To download the Ecodyn Survey in pdf format click below