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5. Regulation and Approval Issues
5.1 Approved materials
5.1.1 Road markings
All road marking materials are subject to European Standards BS EN 1436; BS EN 1790 for preformed materials (e.g. tapes) and BS EN 1824 for road trials for materials from both standards. The physical properties of road marking materials are covered by BS EN 1871.
Approved materials are issued with a road trial test report to the appropriate standards by the testing organisation, like British Standards Institution (BSI), indicating which classes from the standard the material has achieved. The Manual of Contract Documents - Specification for Highway Works, Series 1200, has stipulated the minimum classes which will be required of any marking to be used on a trunk road.
Black masking materials, including temporary tape, thermoplastic and paint, are not included in the European Standards, but are covered by British Standard BS 7962.
It is essential that wear of the masking material should not expose the original white material below it.
5.1.2 Road studs
Road studs are subject to European Standards BS EN 1463 Parts 1 and 2. The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002, including The Traffic Signs (Amendment) General Directions 2003, prescribe the minimum classes from those standards that must be achieved during trials of the studs to be used on the public highway. It would be unlawful to use a stud on the highway that was not certified to those minimum classes.
5.2 Stud option for standard road markings
Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual provides for the use of road studs at two metre spacing in place of lane markings in detail J2. Seven studs at one metre centres have been found to provide a better representation of the six metre marking being replaced and to retain a clearer appearance of a marking should any of the studs become dislodged. It is therefore recommended that one metre stud spacing should be used in situations where detail J2 is required.
5.3 Authorisation of markings
Only traffic signs, including road markings, which are prescribed in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions or which have received special signs authorisation may be legally deployed on the public highway or other highway to which the public has access.
It is possible, in certain circumstances, to authorise the use of additional signs or markings by application in writing to the Department for Transport for England, and the appropriate organisation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. All applications are judged on their specific merits.
