Road markings and road studs are essential components of road safety, providing clear guidance and instructions to road users, especially in challenging conditions like darkness or poor visibility. They play a crucial role in defining roads, bus and cycle lanes, traffic calming schemes, parking or loading areas, and the edges of the carriageway.
Yellow lines
Yellow lines are used to indicate parking restrictions, ensuring smooth traffic flow and preventing obstructions on the highway.
Double yellow lines
No parking at any time, except as indicated by signs attached to lighting columns or posts.
Single yellow lines
Restricted parking during specified times, typically daylight hours. The specific restrictions are displayed on signs attached to lighting columns or posts.
Yellow markings on the kerb
Loading restrictions in specific areas.
Yellow markings at bus stops and taxi ranks
Combination of intermittent and continuous yellow markings to designate areas for public transportation.
Yellow box junctions
Markings around junctions to prevent vehicles from entering the junction until it is clear to exit, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow.
Yellow zig-zag road markings
Markings at school entrances to discourage parking and maintain clear visibility for pupils entering and leaving the school.
Yellow markings outside fire and ambulance stations
Markings to deter drivers from parking across station exits, ensuring emergency vehicles have unobstructed access.
White lines
White lines provide various types of information to guide road users:
Solid white line
Do not cross.
Intermittent white line
Lane line, indicating the separation of lanes.
Other white markings
Provide information such as lane use, direction, and instructions like stop or give way.
H Bar
A road marking shaped like an elongated H that is placed across a vehicular access or driveway. It is used to remind drivers that they should not park in front of dropped kerb vehicular access points. The Council will provide a H bar marking free of charge to disability blue badge holders with a genuine vehicle crossing to their driveway. There is a cost of £143 for non-blue badge holders. To apply for a H Bar, please click here.
Reflective road studs
Reflective road studs are embedded in the road surface to mark the lanes and edges of the carriageway, enhancing visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
White studs
Mark the lanes or the middle of the road.
Red studs
Mark the left edge of the road.
Amber studs
Mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway.
Green studs
Mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads.
Green/yellow studs
Indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, such as during road works.
These road markings and studs play a vital role in maintaining road safety and ensuring smooth traffic flow for all road users in Knowsley.
Maintenance standard
We maintain our road markings and reflective road studs on a rolling programme set out in the table below.
| Feature | Maintenance standard |
|---|---|
| Road markings on principal roads | All road markings will be maintained. |
| Road markings on non-principal roads |
The following road markings will be maintained:
Other markings will only be renewed if they are still required, after being covered by resurfacing work, or there is another identified need. |
| Road studs on principal roads | All road studs are to be maintained. |
| Road studs on non-principal roads | Road studs associated with double line systems and other mandatory markings (e.g. diagonal lines or chevrons edged by solid white lines), will be maintained as required. Any loose road studs will be made safe. Other road studs will only be maintained following resurfacing, and in response to specific hazards. |
Report a problem
You can report a problem with road markings quickly and easily online or you can call 0800 0232334.