‘A crackpot notion?’ - Drivers’ reaction to removing white lines from north Norfolk roads

The stretch of road after Hillington on the A148. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2015)

After we reported the story yesterday, a host of drivers took to the EDP's Facebook page to express their concern that the planned changes could actually make roads more dangerous.

It comes as highways chiefs in Norfolk are in discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) over funding a £300,000 project to reduce the speed limit across a large stretch of road, which could involve white line removal.

It has already removed lines on a number of roads, including Cliff Parade in Hunstanton.

Tracy Jessop, the council's assistant director for highways and transport, said officials found that taking away lines has had a positive impact because drivers become 'more aware of the environment around them'.

But many drivers disagree stating that white lines are vital for safety when driving at night and in bad weather.

Daisy Roots said: 'The dense freezing fog in parts of Norfolk recently should serve as a reminder as to why reflective white lines and cats eyes are invaluable.'

One driver called the idea a 'truly crackpot notion'. The driver said: 'White lines do not just give an idea of where the centre of a road is at night and in bad weather, they also give an idea of where the left hand verge is. The state of some of the road edges in Norfolk means avoiding them isn't just sensible; it's a safety essential!'

Phil Dennis added: 'The white lines are very useful when it's pitch black and hard to see, especially in the countryside around Norfolk.'

Others feared that the removal of lines could actually encourage drivers to speed up and take up more of the road.

Lee Daly said: 'I'm a motorcycle rider and use the lines as a guide when going round bends. Cars tend to drift into my lane on these bends but not enough to cause problems but without lines it could get dangerous.'

Another driver added: 'Many times we are confronted by motorists travelling in the opposite direction cutting the bends because they are driving too fast - this proposal will encourage them to do this! A white line in the centre of the road is there for a reason.'

Tim Harris said: 'There are already too many drivers who overtake where the existing white lines prohibit overtaking. If the lines are taken away there will just be more people thinking they can overtake anywhere, particularly those not used to the level of agricultural traffic in the area.'

One person even thought that more white lines should be added. They said: 'There are many narrow country lanes where white lines should be added. I live in constant fear around every corner of meeting a maniac driving in the middle or even over on my side.'

There were also calls for the money set aside for schemes like this, to be spent on essential repairs to the county's roads.

Mariner said: 'There are more urgent matters that need sorting ,like far better and clearer signage, potholes sorted, and road safety concerns especially around the Cromer to Holt area looked at.'

Another driver added: 'Norfolk County Council should think about spending the £300,000 on replacing damaged or warn out cat's eyes.'

Helen Crisp agreed. She said: 'I wish Norfolk County Council would spend this money on mending the roads rather than waste it tearing white lines up. Or is it just a cop out to save white lining the roads that have been lucky enough to be resurfaced.'

The area for the scheme is the A148 from Sandringham to Sheringham and the A149 from Sandringham up to Hunstanton.

The preliminary cost estimate of the pilot scheme is £300,000. If successful, potential annual accident savings of around £1m are anticipated.

•Let us know your thoughts on plans to remove white lines from north Norfolk's roads by commenting below.