Forums Forums Wirral Information Law And Your Rights ROADS GET NAKED

Planners say markings make drivers less responsible

Roads are going naked in the cause of road safety. The latest wheeze by urban planners is to strip off the road markings and other paraphernalia that clutter the streets in a bid to persuade motorists to be more considerate towards pedestrians. It's an approach that has reportedly been successful in Holland, Germany and Sweden, and it's about to tried in London.

Following a trial in the Wiltshire village of Seend, the idea is that drivers are not funnelled into watching signs and markings but instead are forced use their common sense, such as making eye contact with pedestrians and being more aware of their surroundings generally.

It's the brainchild of urban planner Ben Hamilton-Baillie, who told the BBC that the removal of a psychological safety net encourages drivers to exercise caution and restraint.

It sounds very much like asking drivers to take responsibility for their actions, as urged by Safe Speed founder Paul Smith. And it's got to be better than speed humps and other alternatives.

No road markings ?

Most drivers assume that they have the right of way when there is no markings.

Which isnt true, no one has right of way,
when there are no markings.

If it works it works, but what's next eh?

Man with the red flag infront of your car?
For our younger members,
that's back in the 1920's lol.

I'm all for it, some people may get scared of it but if they do, they shouldn't be on the roads in the first place. Plenty of roads in Wales have no markings and i totally agree that it makes drivers use their common sense more, and it makes me more aware of my surroundings.

Webby, did you have a man with a red flag running in front of your car?

roads have markings on them. red means stop. madness. i neva knew

What about giveway markings etc? they want to get rid of them too??

Im not really bothered about if they remove the markings or not, shouldnt make an ounce of difference....Plus if it is an alternative to speed bumps then thats great coz i hate the ****3rs!!

I can't believe thats gonna happen!
ROADS = CARS
PAVEMENTS = PEDESTIANS

"Roads are going naked in the cause of road safety."

Errrrrr thats right, road safety.....bleh! Makes me sick that does.

I was always taught drivers had the right of way as far as the roads were concerned. Obviously not, and we will all have to drive on the pavement? LOL!

"making eye contact with pedestrians" Blimey! We should be keeping our eyes on the roads!

What the hell are Pelican crossings and Zebra crossings for then? :rolleyes:

What gave you that idea vic? All that is happening is that the white lines are gonna dissapear!

even the giveway ones?? They sorta tell you when other traffic has right of way....doesnt it make them quite essential?

Im not totally against the idea, but i also dont believe they are going to bother remvoing every single white line in the country, it would take too long and is a waste of money...