Roads that cars can read (report)

This report suggests that inadequate maintenance and differences in road markings and traffic signs are a major obstacle to the effective use of technology in vehicles.The report says that by 2025 half of the cars on Europe’s roads will be capable of “reading” signs and markings, and suggests that vehicles, like drivers, will not function properly where road markings and signs are worn out, inconsistent or confusing.

It also says that this means putting an end to the different fonts, colours, sizes and shapes that are seen in even the most basic, internationally standardised safety signs such as ‘stop’ and ‘give way’. The report also says this means standardising the width of white lines and the amount of light they reflect – and ensuring the edges of major roads are marked.

The report challenges the EU, governments and stakeholders to respond to the recommendations of the working party of cross-industry experts who have proposed adopting clear, common standards for road markings and traffic signs on major rural roads which many countries have adopted. It also calls for an independent survey of Europe’s major roads to assess the scale of action needed to meet these standards.