New blue road markings aimed at improving pedestrian safety have appeared at Kingston Beach, prompting confusion among locals.
The bright blue surface treatment on Beach Road at Kingston Beach is part of a $52,500 federally funded project to make pedestrian areas more noticeable to drivers.
Kingborough Council has been subject to a barrage of social media comments from concerned residents questioning the purpose of the markings.
“Are we meant to stop at these markings? Are they actual pedestrian crossings like zebra crossings? I’m unsure as these types of road markings don’t appear in the Tasmanian Road Rules Handbook,” one comment read.
“Over stimulating! Would be looking at the patterns and not the crossing,” another said.
The council explained the blue surface is made from a material called Omnigrip, composed of recycled glass, which improves both safety and road grip while being environmentally sustainable.
“The blue markings are designed to make intersections and pedestrian areas more noticeable,” the council said.
“They highlight busy areas and encourage drivers to slow down as they approach, improving safety for everyone.”
The council has advised residents that some loose particles currently visible on the road surface are normal after installation and will gradually wear away under traffic.
