White-line road-markings and light-coloured road surfacings

White‐line road‐markings and light‐coloured road surfaces are considered from the point of view of their visibility, durability and non‐skid properties. It includes a survey of the different types of material available, the visibility requirements for white lines and road surfaces under daylight and night conditions (including both street‐light and headlamp illumination), and the requirements for a good resistance to skidding in wet weather. The extent to which the different materials available meet these requirements is also discussed. The thermoplastic road‐marking material covered by B.S. 3262: 1960 is the most satisfactory vet developed for general use. It has good durability and good skidding‐resistance in wet weather. The night visibility under headlamp illumination is improved by the addition of ballotini. For light‐coloured bituminous surfacings, a light‐coloured aggregate is essential. For surface dressings, calcined flint‐gravel is most suitable: in premixed materials the very white calcined flint is better. The skid resistance of these aggregates is adequate for most purposes.