"These markings keep...

"These markings keep drivers on the correct path," Paul Watters explained. "Without them, you could be on the wrong part of the road, which is at best inconvenient and at worst dangerous."

His comments come after a survey by the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) found that 42 per cent of white lines painted on single carriageway roads nationwide were deemed not to be of an acceptable standard. On dual carriageways, that figure was slightly better, with 33 per cent regarded as not good enough. The RSMA conducted its report as road markings are not included on the Department for Transport study, the National Road Maintenance Condition Survey. Watters suggested they be covered by an alternative report, alongside road signs and street lights.

The RSMA survey also highlighted another problem - the difficulty in reporting sub-standard markings to the correct authority. It"s called for greater clarity over exactly who is responsible for a particular road so motorists can report defects quickly.

But what the RSMA really wants is more money to maintain white lines. "They are more important in many instances than the quality of the road surface itself, yet take up less than one per cent of highway spend," said a spokesman for the association. "And they"re squeezed the most when it comes to funding."