Bizarre squiggly road markings leave drivers baffled – would YOU know what they mean?

BIZARRE squiggly road marking have left residents baffled and wreaked havoc for drivers.

But following widespread criticism, the local council has decided to take action.

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The unique wiggly road markings in Clevedon, Somerset, were part of a new layout to help slow the traffic down.

But they have now been removed following a fierce backlash.

After review, the traffic scheme has been scrapped with the wobbly lines removed and the original parking reinstated.

The work to remove the road markings started in February and was completed at the weekend at a total cost of £500,000.

It is thought that over £1 million was spent on previously installing the lines.

In addition to the sea-facing parking being re-introduced, a mini-roundabout, pedestrian crossing and new loading bays have also been created.

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The seafront will remain a one-way system and the two-way cycle path has made way for a contra-flow lane.

Overall, the works took 13 weeks to complete and the whole scheme including its removal has cost the taxpayer nearly £1.5 million.

North Somerset Council installed the wavy lines, cycle lane and one-way system along Beach Road in 2022.

This was in an effort to slow drivers and deter people from roadside parking there.

A council spokesman previously said: “The lines are a design feature to reduce the potential abuse of parking at these locations and help make the road feel narrower, which is a technique used to slow traffic speeds."

He added: “A wavy line provides uncertainty to the driver and is proven to help reduce unwanted parking.”

But the markings sparked confusion and anger amongst residents who could no longer park their motors on the seafront overlooking the Bristol Channel.

At the time, one local reckoned the markings resembled a "lane for drink-drivers."

Another insisted that "the road layout is a hot mess."

It was also described as "Balamory from hell for a motorcycle" by a third resident.

The RAC previously dubbed the markings as one of the most "bizarre" schemes it had seen.

MP Liam Fox also hit out at the "shambles" and called for the scheme to be axed.

The scheme even prompted protests amid widespread media ridicule.

At the time, a council spokesman said: "The lines are a design feature to reduce the potential abuse of parking at these locations and help make the road feel narrower, which is a technique used to slow traffic speeds.

“In this case, the area is adjacent to the sailing club entrance so needs to be kept clear.

“A wavy line provides uncertainty to the driver and is proven to help reduce unwanted parking.”

North Somerset Council has been approached for comment.