M42 --> M5 South (J4A)

Crabman

Having recently driven along this junction I'm shocked about how misleading the lane markings are (Google Maps).

The central reserve barrier is currently being replaced (until Oct 2014) and the hard shoulder has been turned into lane 1 to create three narrow lanes within a 50mph limit. This means that the old chevron and lane markings have been covered in black paint and new ones have been sprayed.

Today the conditions were wet and the previous lane markings with their high gloss finish were much more visible than the new (temporary) ones which are already worn out in places.

The result of this was vehicles travelling from the M42 being misled into merging into lane 2 of the M5. What should happen is that vehicles in lane 2 of the slip road from the M42 stay in their lane, which becomes lane 1 of the M5. No merging necessary.

Today I saw two vehicles in front of me swerve at the last moment to avoid a collision.

I simply can not believe the Highways Agency or their contractor (Amey, or Amey Mouchel) could be so incompetent as to not consider the visibility of the old (poorly obscured) lane markings during wet conditions.

If any collisions have occurred where the visibility of the old lane markings were a factor, I would hope the parties involved will raise the issue with the Highways Agency.

mgdavid

are you saying people cannot drive properly without white lines to tell them where they should position themselves? truly appalling.

Crabman

mgdavid wrote: »

are you saying people cannot drive properly without white lines to tell them where they should position themselves? truly appalling.

Looks like you've posted your response here in error. My post (which you've clearly not read properly) says nothing of the sort. :rotfl:

RichardD1970

Have you contacted the Highways Agency or their contractors to point out the problem to them? There are usually signs up with contact details.

Horace

If you wish to make a complaint to the Highways Agency about this stretch of road then their number is 0300 123 5000. I am sure if you speak to them sensibly without losing your rag you might get a satisfactory answer.

It should also be remembered that folks that drive on motorways seem to go into a dream-like state and do not take notice of signage especially in roadworks. It is unlikely that the drivers you saw would do anything so perhaps you should make that call.