WRITTEN QUESTION E-1408/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(23 April 2003)

Subject: Dangers to motorcyclists caused by from road markings

On a large number of roads, motorcyclists experience problems with slippery road surfaces and road markings. In rainy conditions, road markings become very slippery, and travelling by motorcycle can be very dangerous, especially on bends. The authorities frequently opt for the cheapest solutions and do not always choose good quality anti-skid paints. Furthermore, checks on whether or not the

paint meets current standards are too infrequent. Problems also arise with pitch, which is used to make minor repairs to road surfaces. However, in rainy conditions, pitch becomes very slippery. Motorcycles skid very easily on such surfaces, and the braking distance becomes longer. In addition, the material used is not long-lasting. There are, nevertheless, road repair products which are safer and which last longer.

Is the Commission aware of these problems?

What measures is the Commission taking to prevent slippery road surfaces and road markings?

Does the Commission have any information about alternatives to conventional paints used for road markings, and what is its opinion thereof?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(27 May 2003)

The Commission is very concerned about the dangerous condition of certain stretches of road and skid resistance is an important determinant for the level of safety of a road. However, it is to be recalled that the maintenance of roads including the proper use of road markings and pavements is the competence of Member States.

Upon mandate of the Commission, CEN(1) has adopted a standard on materials for road markings that provide a good grip even when the road is wet (norm EN 1423:1997 Road marking materials drop on materials Glass beads and anti-skid aggregates and mixtures of them). As to road bound pavements CEN/TC 227 is about to prepare a standard on products, which will be subject to CE marking on the basis of the Construction Products Directive (Council Directive 89/106/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to construction products(2)) once the standard is adopted. The quality classes defined in these norms allow road authorities to procure much better performing materials than paint without such additives.

Once such markings and pavements are in place, their skid resistance needs to be controlled. At this point in time, each Member State uses one or two in a total of twelve different models of measuring devices for skid resistance. In an attempt to create safety conditions comparable between the different Member States, CEN group TC 227 WG 5 is developing a draft standard defining a uniform procedure to determine skid resistance from a dynamic measurement.

The Commission supports these activities though the research projects Format (maintenance of road pavements) and Silvia (low noise pavements), both of which were launched in 2002. In its work programme of 2003, the Commission has announced to submit to Parliament and Council a Directive on black spot management and road safety audits. With such procedures in place, it is possible to identify sections of high risk and develop remedial measures in a cost effective way and target to safety critical sections on spots in the network.

(1) Committee European Normalisation.

(2) OJ L 40, 11.2.1989.