blackwolf wrote:

If you want to improve road safety by a spectacular degree, don't get rid of white lines, get rid of inept drivers!

It would be quite easy to do - all it requires is the introduction of an effective and trelevant driving test, effective and deterrent punishment for motoring offences, and effective roads policing.

I image that there are places where the white lines could be abolished, but in many places the result would I suspect be catastrophic.

+1 I used to enjoy driving but that like is dwindling fast with all the muppets on the RD these days it's amazing how many folk need to drive on the white line when it's dark as they don't seem to be able to see the RD
I also blame these garden centres and farm shops with cafes which seems to bring out the retired gentry in there green mobiles drifting about at 25 mph
That's my rant

Cupboard wrote:

I actually quite like driving in the middle of the road when there's no other traffic, means you get a much smoother ride!

As for older drivers/younger drivers, I did have to explain to my boss recently that hatched areas in the middle of the road were no overtaking like double white lines rather than an extra wide bit of road for easy overtaking

The problem is that they're quite mis-leading. Dashed lines and chevrons are effectively the same as double white lines, solid white lines and chevrons are like super-dooper double white lines.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code #130

A bit of miss interpretation there mate, I recall a discussion was had in a BMW 530i with my instructor on my advanced driving course a few years back. It's the wording;

Broken white line - should not enter
Solid white line - MUST NOT enter

Should not because it could be dangerous. Must not because it IS dangerous.

On both my advanced car and advanced bike courses, refreshers and tests I have used areas with "hazard warning lines spaced by hatches" to make progress (overtake) when the conditions (weather, traffic, pedestrians etc) have been safe to do so. Had I entered an area hatches outlined with solid lines, I would've been off the course!

It's worth noting that not all rules of the Highway Code are enforced by law. In the book, those that are, are in red from memory. Even the Police and other emergency services do not have exemption in law to cross solid white lines, except for the example given in the code re certain vehicles travelling less than 10mph.

As someone who does a lot of miles, day and night, normally on two wheels, is on occasions allowed to exceed the speed limit I think white road markings are an essential part of what keeps me and others safe*.


* Except on the bike in the rain......White paint becomes very slippery.

I now dismount my high horse to get ready to use white lines at 04:30  Strong people are harder to kill and generally more useful!

leeds wrote:

It is not unusual to see people turn right from a main road into a minor road and not only pass over the give way sign. Have seen vehicles do that sort of right turn and have their nearside wheels on the wrong side of the central line!.

Brendan

Thor wrote:

Cupboard wrote:

The problem is that they're quite mis-leading. Dashed lines and chevrons are effectively the same as double white lines, solid white lines and chevrons are like super-dooper double white lines.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code #130

A bit of miss interpretation there mate, I recall a discussion was had in a BMW 530i with my instructor on my advanced driving course a few years back. It's the wording;

Broken white line - should not enter
Solid white line - MUST NOT enter

Should not because it could be dangerous. Must not because it IS dangerous.

Quote:

Rule 129

Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

Quote:

Rule 130

Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.

If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.

Thor wrote:

I now dismount my high horse to get ready to use white lines at 04:30

I have a very well used high horse, although the mounting block is less well used as I'm apt to stay on it.