MARKINGS : An important visual guidance system in Europe

Markings symbols are used to indicate or legally prescribe specific behaviour on the road. Markings are used to give visual guidance, to control traffic and, therefore, they make an important contribution to promoting the flow of traffic, to influencing behaviour on the road, making the presence of other motorists and encounters with them more safe. Not only the correct geometry of the markings, i.e. their application and method of presentation on the road, but also the materials selected are of vital importance. Markings are only effective as a visual control system if they are sufficiently durable, non-skid and visible. Night visibility is of particular importance; only if this requirement is satisfied is it possible to guarantee day-night uniformity. Markings are an indispensable part of the roads. It is of decisive importance for the purpose of visual guidance and, therefore, for traffic safety and the control of traffic, that markings are used which are easily visible during the night and whose effectiveness is permanently assured. Only in this way are they able to exert their positive influence as a visual control system during the day and night on the European roads. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 866319.