Did you know that road markings are the biggest safety feature implemented across the UK’s road and highway networks? In the UK, road markings and road studs need to be checked and tested at regular intervals to ensure they’re meeting the minimum reflectivity requirements.

A Guide To Road Retro-Reflectivity Testing

8 August 2024 Grace

Retro-reflectivity tests are usually carried out by a high-speed vehicle to assess the condition’s reflectivity and wear. In this blog, our line marking experts break down what retro-reflectivity is, why it is important and how QMS LifeLine™ can help.

What is reflectivity testing for road marking?

Retro-reflectivity occurs when an object, in our case the line marking, reflects light directly back to the source (in most cases vehicle headlights). To ensure that all line markings are visible at night and in other adverse conditions, companies such as QMS conduct reflectivity testing on highways and roads, to ensure the line marking is performing to the standard that is expected!

Highway Chevrons painted

How is the reflectivity of a road tested?

To test the performance of the line marking and cat eyes, the test must be taken from a moving monitor, at high speeds. At QMS, our QMS LifeLine™ is a mobile test that is carried out at traffic speed, to accurately monitor the real-life visibility of road markings.

Our system from RoadVista, measures the line marking and the road studs simultaneously on any type of carriageway. Once the initial survey has been completed, the data and information is compiled into a user-friendly and easy-to-understand document that allows you to plan effective maintenance for ongoing compliance.

By utilising the latest laser technology, our front-facing HD video camera matches a video of the area with time stamps to reference spreadsheets and graph reports. Allowing the engineer to view the area tested from the comfort (and safety) of their workstation.

LifeLine map data

How to test for retro-reflectivity?

There are two ways you can measure retro-reflectivity within the road marking industry:

Handheld contact instruments – where the measurement device needs to be within physical contact with the road markings. The device will then illuminate the area of road markings and be able to see how much of that road marking reflects the light back into the device.

Non-contact instruments – these measure the retro-reflectivity from a distance, and can be either hand-held or vehicle-based devices (like our QMS LifeLine™). They work in the same way that they measure how much light is reflected back off of the road markings.

What are you measuring for when testing the retro-reflectivity or road markings?

The main purpose of retro-reflectivity testing is to ensure that all road markings are visible in all road conditions for all road users. Road users see road markings in two settings, night and day.

Reflection in the daylight or under road lighting (like street lamps) is measured as QD (day visibility). Whereas reflection under a vehicle headlight is known as RL (retro-reflectivity). RL is crucial for night-time and low-visibility driving, allowing the driver to see the road markings.

Benefits of choosing QMS LifeLine™ for your reflectivity testing

Ensuring your markings are compliant with the latest standards is crucial. This is why, when you work with QMS for all of your commercial line marking and road marking safety checks, not only will you receive accurate results, but you will also benefit from:

Accurate equipment which is calibrated twice-daily
Cs-126 compliant readings
Surveys are completed at traffic speeds, so no need to set up diversions or close roads
Cost-effective and time-effective
Minimal disruption to existing road users
HD-quality video and data
Excellent customer service and communication
Project completed within a chosen time frame

LifeLine QMS van

Ensure your road marking safety with QMS reflectivity testing solutions

Want to find out more about our retro-reflectivity testing solutions and how they could benefit you? Contact our friendly team today to find out more, contact us via info@qms.uk or call us at 01626 836777.

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LifeLine device attached on side of a truck

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There has been a couple of crews doing the lining and antiskid works local to me on the new surfacing project on Callington road, Tavistock and the quality of work is spot on. Its done nothing but rain here for the last 2 months and as someone who spent over 25 years lining I can appreciate what they`ve been up against, especially with anti skid and MMA lining materials.
  
 
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   Dejan Maric 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The attention to quality and detail within this company is very high and customer concerns are always rectified, leading to  high client retention. The company invests heavily into training and development for its staff with some of the best equipment available.
  
 
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   Catherine Harvey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Greg and all the team are professional, friendly and passionate about the work they deliver. I would always recommend QMS for any line marking needs as there attention to detail and care is shown in the work delivered.
  
 
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   Alison Lott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service - friendly, polite, helpful. Had my Disabled bay marked out quickly and efficiently, after a 5½ month wait for Highways! Thanks guys. Thanks guys
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dan Druft 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is so helpful
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Timothy White 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had them out a few times to our Production sites, and the level of communication with the quality of work is just what we were after! I would recommend them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luke Davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great company! I recently used this company for a last minute job. They were really busy but they managed to squeeze me in. It’s really nice to work with a company that come out in person and really listen to what you need, and then work with you to achieve it! Thanks QMS, you were great! Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lena Haydon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent customer service, very good communication. The whole process was smooth and professional. Very pleased with the quality of work, would employ again and would have no hesitation recommending to others.

Leave a review on Google

Sam Mellor-Clark

There has been a couple of crews doing the lining and antiskid works local to me on the new surfacing project on Callington road, Tavistock and the quality of work is spot on. Its done nothing but rain here for the last 2 months and as someone who spent over 25 years lining I can appreciate what they`ve been up against, especially with anti skid and MMA lining materials.

Dejan Maric

The attention to quality and detail within this company is very high and customer concerns are always rectified, leading to high client retention. The company invests heavily into training and development for its staff with some of the best equipment available.

Catherine Harvey

Greg and all the team are professional, friendly and passionate about the work they deliver. I would always recommend QMS for any line marking needs as there attention to detail and care is shown in the work delivered.

Alison Lott

Excellent service - friendly, polite, helpful. Had my Disabled bay marked out quickly and efficiently, after a 5½ month wait for Highways! Thanks guys. Thanks guys

Dan Druft

Everyone is so helpful

Timothy White

We had them out a few times to our Production sites, and the level of communication with the quality of work is just what we were after! I would recommend them!

Luke Davis

Great company! I recently used this company for a last minute job. They were really busy but they managed to squeeze me in. It’s really nice to work with a company that come out in person and really listen to what you need, and then work with you to achieve it! Thanks QMS, you were great! Highly recommend!

Lena Haydon

Excellent customer service, very good communication. The whole process was smooth and professional. Very pleased with the quality of work, would employ again and would have no hesitation recommending to others.