Drivers risk serious accidents as councils ignore pleas to improve road markings - 'Makes no sense!'

Almost three-quarters of motorists included in the RAC survey said the issue of road markings had worsened over the last five years.

Many believe that crucial road markings are disappearing at a faster rate, including the lines at the centre of carriageways to separate traffic.

Drivers have also complained that other crucial lines have faded, such as arrows on roundabouts (48 per cent), yellow box markings (43 per cent), and stop lines at junctions (41 per cent).

Concerningly, more than a third of drivers have complained of speed limit signs painted on roads having disappeared or faded significantly.

This could potentially cause chaos on the roads with drivers being unaware of the speeds, especially if there are not enough signs along the roadside.

Previous RAC research, from the Report on Motoring, found that faded road markings and poor drainage were the joint second biggest safety danger for 38 per cent of drivers.

This was second only to potholes and issues with road surfaces, which were cited by eight in 10 motorists as the biggest motoring issue.

Simon Williams, RAC head of policy, said: "Drivers are widely reporting that road markings have been left to fade into obscurity, making roads less safe as a result.

"The problem appears to have got progressively worse as a majority of drivers say the visibility of markings has deteriorated in the last five years.

"And, while all painted lines are important to ensure drivers do the right thing, the fact some, such as those dividing lanes and even stop lines are disappearing, is troubling."

Motorists have also reported serious issues with disappearing road markings, with almost two-thirds having to guess where the lanes are, leading them to potentially end up in the wrong lane.

Almost one-fifth have admitted to getting into a confrontation with another motorist as a result of not knowing where the lines are, while 19 per cent have been forced to cut across lanes at short notice.

The RAC has demanded action from local authorities to protect drivers, especially since 16 per cent have had a near-miss because they couldn't see solid stop lines or "give way" markings.

Mr Williams acknowledged the Government's new Road Safety Strategy, but noted that more needs to be done to protect motorists from being put in a dangerous position because road markings are not available.

This has been emphasised by 91 per cent of people who said they wished their local authority "did a better job" in ensuring road markings are clearly visible.

Mr Williams said: "It's frightening to think almost one-in-five of drivers have had a near-miss as a result of faded road markings and more than one-in-10 have overshot a junction.

"Leaving these most vital markings to just wear away makes no sense whatsoever. While there's clearly a cost to maintaining them, the cost of letting them disappear doesn't bear thinking about."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We have given local authorities £1.6billion for local highways maintenance in the 2026/27 financial year, as well as providing guidance on the installation and maintenance of road markings."