Rectangular painted marks on the road ? | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

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Sun 30 Nov 2008 14:14

Rectangular painted marks on the road ? - Anglesey Ian

I know that I should know the reasons for these (white painted oblongs) which appear periodically on roads. particularly the A55 North wales coast road. These appear to be either side of bridges at equal distances. IIRC they used to be metal (stainless steel) but now are painted.

I have a dim and distant recollection that they were sonething to do with providing a static measurement 'place' for calculating motoring speeds but, if this is the case, why are they are still in evidence in the day of the mobile speed camera vans.

Can anybody assist please ?

Ian

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Sun 30 Nov 2008 14:17

Rectangular painted marks on the road ? - Dwight Van Driver

Vascar reference points.

Set distance from bridge which will be the first refererence point, the oblong the second point (or vice versa).

Distance known then time over that gives average speed..

dvd

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Sun 30 Nov 2008 14:18

Rectangular painted marks on the road ? - Altea Ego

Yes they are there to measure speed over known fixed distances, and they are still in use because every traffic car has the kit to use them, without the need to park up a camera van.

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Sun 30 Nov 2008 14:29

Rectangular painted marks on the road ? - Anglesey Ian

Ahh

thank you for your prompt and informed responses

Ian

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Sun 30 Nov 2008 17:14

Rectangular painted marks on the road ? - nick

You can be timed between two of these markings, don't ask me how I know! If they have line of sight, the traffic car can be a very long way away.

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Sun 30 Nov 2008 18:36

Rectangular painted marks on the road ? - martint123

Likewise from helicopters

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