Drivers slam ‘overly-elaborate’ nautical-themed road cycle markings

Motorists slam new ‘overly-elaborate’ nautical-themed road markings aimed at encouraging cycling as a ‘shocking waste of money’ and a distraction to drivers

  • Officials in Poole painted dolphins and sea shells along busy stretch of the A350
  • The nautical decorations help guide pedestrians and cyclists around the town 
  • But safety groups fear the brightly-coloured markings could distract motorists

Safety groups have slammed a council for painting seashells and dolphins on a road, warning they are a ‘shocking waste of money’ and a dangerous distraction to drivers.

Officials in Poole, Dorset, have painted green and blue dolphins and sea shells along a busy stretch of the A350 as part of a new ‘wayfinding’ project.

The nautical decorations will tie in with new ‘Wayfinding Totem’ signs to guide pedestrians and cyclists to historic parts of the harbour town.

One councillor said the art would, ‘create a new sense of intrigue, engagement and place’ – but motoring groups fear the brightly-coloured markings could lead to more road traffic accidents because drivers will be distracted by them.

New road markings of sea shells and dolphins aimed at encouraging cycling have been slammed as a ‘shocking waste of money’ and a distraction to drivers

Officials in Poole, Dorset, have painted the green and blue nautical decorations along a busy stretch of the A350

Officials in Poole, Dorset, have painted the green and blue nautical decorations along a busy stretch of the A350

The brightly-coloured markings will tie in with new 'Wayfinding Totem' signs to guide pedestrians and cyclists to historic parts of the harbour town

The brightly-coloured markings will tie in with new ‘Wayfinding Totem’ signs to guide pedestrians and cyclists to historic parts of the harbour town

Simon Williams, a road safety spokesman for the RAC, said: ‘This seems like a shocking waste of money, especially as most visitors will have put their destination into a sat-nav before setting out.

‘We assume there can’t be any potholes in Poole that need fixing if the council has enough money to spend on producing these overly-elaborate road markings.

‘There’s also a real danger that drivers will end up looking at dolphins and sea shells instead of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians around them.’

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA added: ‘Painting seaside images on the roads could become either a danger or an unintended road safety aid on Poole’s roads.

‘If road users spend too much time admiring the artwork then it could prove a distraction, especially for tourists trying to navigate around the town.

‘As much as there is a need to keep your eyes on the road ahead, drivers must also use their mirrors and look out for any potential dangers up ahead.’

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council would not say exactly how much money has been spent on the new road markings but said they were part of a wider £9.6m improvement scheme. 

Some local residents were equally critical.

Tony Boden said: ‘This is a stupid idea. Road signs should be kept to a minimum to avoid unnecessary distractions and accidents for drivers and pedestrians.’

Eunice Marsden added: ‘These will just distract drivers wondering what they mean for traffic.

‘They will also certainly be attractive to children who will think the area a playground not a road. They are dangerous as well as a mistake.’ 

Motoring groups fear the signs could lead to more road traffic accidents because drivers will be focused on them and not other cars

Motoring groups fear the signs could lead to more road traffic accidents because drivers will be focused on them and not other cars

The markings have been part-financed by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

The signs were designed by the award-winning London design agency Dallas-Pierce-Quintero.

Alongside the controversial markings and Wayfinding Totems there will also be pavement art and street furniture to celebrate Poole’s shipbuilding, manufacturing and brewing heritage.

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s transport and and sustainability chief, said: ‘The Wayfinding Totems are designed to encourage both residents and visitors to walk and cycle.

‘By providing clear information the maps will show how quick and easy it is to walk or hop on a bike to access local amenities and explore the local neighbourhood.

‘The public art will create a new sense of intrigue, engagement and place. It will give residents and visitors alike the opportunity to find out more about what makes the town so special.’

MailOnline has contacted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council for comment.