Are cat's eyes disappearing from our roads?
Why are cat's eyes disappearing from many roads, when their aid to safer driving is well documented ?
Asked on 4 December 2025 by Paul Butler
Answered by
David Ross
Cat's eyes are less common on the roads for a number of reasons, most of which are financial. On roads which are well-maintained they can see decades of service without issues, but where roads are resurfaced it is then a decision for either the local council or highways as to how to replace them. Sometimes they are replaced with reflective paint or LED studs, or unfortunately sometimes not at all. Modern lighting technology makes driving in the dark less problematic than it was, but road infrastructure should support all road users and cat's eyes still have a role to play.
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