The Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) has today selected Reflective Measurement Systems Ltd to undertake an extensive independent survey of England’s local authority roads. The survey, to be completed during the summer months, shall gather data on more than 2,000km of the local authority road network and shall establish the current condition of road markings (retroreflectivity), but also the preparedness of these roads to meet the challenges of the transition to vehicles with increasing levels of automation (contrast).
Reflective Measurement Systems Ltd shall undertake the survey using their RetroTek Mobile Retroreflectometer System, which is able to accurately measure retroreflectivity and contrast across a full lane width in a single-pass. The survey is undertaken at traffic speed and will not impact adversely on road users.
Stu McInroy, Chief Executive of RSMA, said: “We are pleased to have selected Reflective Measurement Systems Ltd to undertake this survey. The results generated shall provide a robust, objective and independent evidence base to inform a variety of work streams currently being undertaken by the RSMA. I believe, when completed, these work streams shall inform discussions about the current condition of the road markings in England and their ability to not only support the requirements of human drivers well into the future but also the transition to vehicles with increased levels of automation, such as Lane Keeping Assist.
“I am concerned that the focus of high-level stakeholders is skewed towards automated operations far into the future; no-one appears to be addressing the here and now and that is why the RSMA has acted. The data generated by this survey shall provide a real-world analysis of the here, the now, the tomorrow. We must understand the present to be able to plan for the future.”
Joe Turley, Chief Executive of Reflective Measurement Systems Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be working with the RSMA on this forward-thinking project across England. This real time information identifies what sections of these roads provide good visibility for vehicle drivers and for the safe operation of Advance Driver Assisted Systems such as Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning.
“The RetroTek-D Retroreflectometer is unique and the most advanced, efficient traffic speed retroreflectometer in the world. It can assess all road markings (lines & symbols) and studs across a full lane width in one pass, day & night.”
