Keeping Your Sites Safe & Compliant Across Leicester, Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent & Beyond
With new road marking regulations coming into effect for 2025–2026, businesses, contractors and local authorities must ensure that their properties remain compliant. Whether you manage a car park in Nottingham, operate an industrial estate in Leicester, or maintain warehouse routes in Coventry, understanding how updated safety standards impact your site is essential.
Gilvar Lining Ltd — trusted line marking specialists since 1987 — are here to break down what these changes mean for you and how to stay ahead of compliance issues.
Understanding the Current UK Road Marking Framework
Before looking at what’s changing, it’s important to understand the foundation. In the UK, road marking standards are governed primarily by:
- BS EN 1436:2007+A1:2008 – European standard adopted by the UK, which outlines visibility, retroreflectivity, and durability criteria.
- Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual – Specifies temporary traffic management and signage, crucial for work sites and active maintenance zones.
- The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) – The legal document defining road sign and marking use across the UK.
These documents define the performance, visibility, skid resistance, and placement of road markings on highways and off-highway surfaces.
What’s Changing in 2025–2026?
While the UK has retained many EU standards post-Brexit, the Department for Transport (DfT) and Highways England (now National Highways) are gradually adapting policies to better suit UK-specific infrastructure and climate considerations.
Key Regulatory Changes to Expect
Note: As of September 2025, these changes are under consultation or phased implementation. Always verify with official DfT updates.
1. Increased Retroreflectivity Requirements
Retroreflectivity — how markings reflect light from vehicle headlights — is being prioritised across high-traffic and low-visibility areas.
- New minimum thresholds are being considered for areas prone to fog, rain, or reduced street lighting (e.g., rural routes around Stoke-on-Trent and Coventry outskirts).
- Enhanced visibility is especially important near school zones, pedestrian crossings, and cycle routes — all common marking types handled by Gilvar Lining.
2. Material Performance Audits
- Contracts funded by public bodies (e.g., Nottingham City Council) may soon require on-site testing of materials used in thermoplastic, MMA, and epoxy coatings.
- Suppliers will need to provide certified test data on skid resistance, UV resistance, and lifespan in mixed weather conditions.
- Gilvar Lining already works with approved UK suppliers and meets all performance thresholds with every installation.
3. Digital Mapping & Asset Management Integration
To support smart infrastructure and autonomous vehicles:
- Digital mapping of road assets is being trialled across major UK cities.
- Line markings may require QR-encoded resin patches or be registered into national databases.
- While optional now, these systems may become mandatory on all new public installations by late 2026.
4. Environmentally Friendly Material Mandates (Coming Soon)
- The DfT is exploring a phased ban on solvent-based paints in favour of waterborne or cold-applied alternatives.
- Projects in areas like Leicester’s Clean Air Zone may be subject to earlier implementation.
- Gilvar Lining has already shifted to low-VOC thermoplastic and eco-conscious line removal via hydro-blasting.
What This Means for Your Site in the Midlands
Whether you’re managing a commercial warehouse in Coventry or a school playground in Nottingham, the implications of these changes are direct:
Sites May Need an Audit
- Older markings may no longer meet compliance for reflectivity or durability.
- Surfaces showing signs of wear may now trigger safety or insurance liabilities.
Replacing Non-Compliant Markings Can Be Cost-Effective
- Replacing faded or incorrect markings can prevent accidents, reduce insurance risk, and enhance traffic flow.
- In multi-use sites like Stoke-on-Trent logistics parks, clear bay markings reduce bottlenecks and increase HGV efficiency.
Certification & Documentation Are Now Essential
- For public or B2B clients, proof of compliance is no longer optional.
- Gilvar Lining provides detailed project documentation, material batch info, and photographic evidence as standard.
How Gilvar Lining Ltd Keeps You Compliant
Our Credentials & Practices
- Established in 1987 with over 400 years of combined team experience
- CSCS-certified teams trained to NVQ Level 2 & 3
- Adherence to BS EN 1436:2007+A1:2008 and Chapter 8 regulations
- Trusted by clients across Nottingham, Leicester, Coventry, and Stoke-on-Trent
- Certified by SafeContractor and Constructionline
Local Case Example – Leicester Royal Infirmary
In 2024, our team re-marked pedestrian zones and ambulance bays to meet evolving NHS Trust standards. This included:
- Upgrading thermoplastic materials for higher visibility
- Night works to avoid disruption
- Retesting lines to ensure reflectivity post-installation
Checklist: Is Your Site Ready for 2025–2026?
Use this quick checklist to see if your line markings need updating:
✔ Faded or patchy lines in car parks, roads, or walkways
✔ No recent record of line marking materials used
✔ No documented compliance for BS EN 1436 or Chapter 8
✔ EV bays, disabled access, or school zones without clear visibility
✔ Use of old solvent-based coatings
If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to schedule a compliance review.
Stay Ahead of the Curve with Gilvar Lining
The coming regulatory changes may feel technical — but ignoring them could lead to non-compliance, safety risks, or lost contracts. With over three decades of experience, Gilvar Lining Ltd is ready to guide your site through these transitions, ensuring visibility, safety, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re based in Leicester, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, or Nottingham, our local crews can visit your site, carry out an audit, and deliver a high-spec solution aligned with current and upcoming standards.
Contact Gilvar Lining Ltd Today
Ensure your road markings meet the 2025–2026 UK safety standards.
Call us or fill in the contact form on our website to book a free compliance site visit in your area.
