The Hazards of Vanishing Road Markings
As a city councillor and chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, I’ve been closely following the troubling issue of disappearing road markings in Ottawa and across Ontario. Federal regulations introduced in 2023 aimed at reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in paints, which are used for road markings, have unintentionally led to a significant safety risk. These new regulations have made it harder for municipalities to maintain visible road lines, especially in wet or inclement weather.
As a result, lane markings on many roads, including major routes like Highway 174, vanish after the first drop of rain, putting drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians in harm’s way. Municipalities are now being forced to repaint lines two or three times a year, which leads to more traffic disruptions, increased emissions from painting trucks, and higher costs—all in the name of protecting the environment.
This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Modern vehicle safety systems, including crash avoidance and lane assist technologies, depend on clear road markings to function properly. When these markings disappear, it compromises the safety of everyone on the road.
I’ve been working with fellow municipal leaders, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and paint manufacturers like 3M to explore safer and more durable solutions that meet environmental regulations without compromising public safety. We need to push for updated guidelines that allow municipalities to balance environmental goals with the practical need for visible road markings.
This issue isn’t just about the paint on our streets; it’s about ensuring the safety of everyone in our community. We can’t afford to wait for collisions to prove what we already know—when road markings vanish, the danger increases. It’s time to address this broken system and find a solution that works for both our environment and our safety.
For more details and to read the full story on this growing concern, please click here Can’t see lines on the road when you drive? It’s an increasing hazard | Ottawa Citizen