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New road markings, known as dragon's teeth, are being trialled on a section of road in Burgos as part of an experiment to test the effectiveness of the markings in tackling speeding.

 

The experimental signage is being trialled by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma) on a section of the N-122 Nava de Roa with the aim of provoking an "optical effect" on drivers so that they slow down.

 

Of course, every driver's interpretation or reaction to the markings is subjective, so Mitma is carrying out the experiment to guage the effectiveness of 'dragon's teeth' in reducing speed before incorporating them into new traffic regulations.

 

According to the Ministry of Transport, "the aim of this new road marking is to force drivers to significantly reduce their speed compared to the previous stretch of road".

 

"In this way, motorists will have to adapt their driving to the new circumstances of the road environment, thus improving road safety."

 

The markings are made up of isosceles triangles with a base of 75cm. The height of the dragon's teeth will increase as the road is raised and the section progresses. In the first third of the section they are 60cm high, rising to 75cm and 90cm in the last third.

 

In addition, Mitma is piloting broken edge lines 30 metres before a zebra crossing in the area to make motorists aware that they approaching the pedestrian crossing and should therefore slow down.

 

In general, road markings or horizontal signs are painted in white, and occasionally yellow, such as continuous lines, return arrows, grids or pedestrian crossings, to "guide the driver and provide information for safe driving".

 

Mitma has uploaded a survey to its official website with full details about the experimental road markings and is urging the public to give the ministry feedback on the signage which could be introduced across the country.