Transportation
Can Removing Centerlines Make Roads Safer?
When it comes to road markings, some experts say less is more.
In some parts of the U.K., the roadways are looking kind of bare. Markings that indicate bus and bicycle lanes remain, but gone are the white lines that separate opposing traffic. That may seem like a hazard, but according to some experts, the lack of centerlines can actually make roads safer by making drivers slow down.
In a 2014 report, the Transport for London (TFL) argued that while centerlines are standard, not all roads need them. They further noted that “most traffic engineers prescribe them by default without questioning the necessity.”