Tierney: Can't see any lines on the road when you drive? It's an increasing hazard
Article content
Ever feel like the road markings disappeared the moment it started to rain? You're not alone — and it's not your imagination. From Orléans to Highway 174 and across the country, drivers are finding themselves navigating invisible roads.
Article content
Article content
The culprit? A federal regulation that changed the very paint we use to mark them.
Article content
Back in 2023, the federal government introduced new requirements targeting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in commercial products like paints and adhesives. On paper, this looks like progress: cutting VOCs helps reduce air pollution. But in practice, the regulations have turned our road lines into something out of a magic act. You'd be forgiven for thinking they were painted with disappearing ink.
Article content
Article content
This change has had ripple effects: municipalities now have to repaint lane markings two or even three times a year to maintain visibility. That means more paint trucks on the roads, more greenhouse gas emissions from those trucks, and more tax dollars spent — ironically, all in the name of environmental protection. While the intent behind the regulation was good, the result was a serious safety concern that simply can't be ignored.
Article content
Poor visibility, especially in low light and during wet or inclement weather, is no small issue. It puts drivers, cyclists and pedestrians at risk. With modern vehicle safety systems relying more and more on clear lane markings for features such as crash avoidance and lane assist, this is more than a cosmetic issue; it's a concern about life-or-death.
Article content
I attended the Good Roads Conference with my colleague, Coun. Sean Devine, where we heard from municipalities across Ontario that are all grappling with the same issue. In our east-end communities especially, the problem is pronounced — most notably on Highway 174, where the lines vanish with the first drop of rain.
Article content
Drivers deserve better. Communities deserve better.
Article content
Article content
Municipalities can't tackle this alone. As chair of the city's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee (PWIC), I've requested an update at our June meeting to detail what lobbying efforts are underway — specifically what pressure has been applied through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and what traction we've gained with the federal government.
Article content
We need strong advocacy and leadership at every level of government. I'm also in active discussions with the paint manufacturer 3M to explore safer, more durable and compliant solutions. There must be a way to maintain environmental standards and keep drivers safe.
Article content
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, traffic-marking coatings are subject to stringent VOC concentration limits, yet municipalities are finding these standards challenging to meet without compromising road safety. That disconnect needs to be addressed with updated guidance and flexibility for real-world conditions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
22 minutes ago
- New York Times
Quote of the Day: Grandparents? Maybe. But You Can Find Them in da Club.
'There's no real age limit for knowing how to party.' LUDOVIC ADRIEN, the manager of Mirano, a nightclub in Brussels that hosts revelers from several retirement homes who mix with younger guests.
North Wales Chronicle
22 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Ilkay Gundogan double helps Man City thrash Al Ain at Club World Cup
The Premier League side were far too strong for their Abu Dhabi-based opponents under a closed roof at Atlanta's spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The result seemed certain from the moment Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, opened the scoring – perhaps fortuitously – by lobbing the keeper after eight minutes. A magnificent Manchester City display. ✨ #FIFACWC — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025 Teenager Claudio Echeverri marked his first City start by adding the second from a free-kick and Erling Haaland made it 3-0 at half-time from the penalty spot. Gundogan finished off a neat move after 73 minutes before substitutes Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki struck late on to ensure City and Juventus will progress from Group G. The two sides will meet in Orlando on Thursday to settle top spot, with Real Madrid potentially lying in wait in the first knockout round. City, who made 11 changes from their opening win over Wydad Casablanca, were quick to take charge, although it was not obvious if Gundogan intended his chip as an attempt on goal. The Germany midfielder beat a challenge and delicately lofted the ball in the direction of Haaland at the back post, but no extra touch was required as the ball dropped into the net. Despite their clear superiority, City did still have some awkward moments at the back and one such saw Nassim Chadli break through on goal but Stefan Ortega touched the former Morocco youth international's shot behind. 💥 NUMBER 6! Rayan Cherki joins the party with a clean finish — City running wild! Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MCIAIN — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 23, 2025 There was a lengthy delay as Echeverri, making his first City start, required treatment following a collision. The Argentinean's problem was clearly not too serious as moments later he stepped up to curl in City's second after Matheus Nunes was hauled down after 27 minutes. Haaland could have added another within seconds after robbing Park Yong-woo and rounding Khalid Eisa but he shot across goal from a tight angle. As the first Mexican waves of the evening gathered momentum, Josko Gvardiol went even closer when he headed against the post. Haaland dragged another effort wide after being played in by Bernardo Silva but he finally got his goal after City were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time. A defining day in Group G, but all to play for in Group H. 🤯#FIFACWC — FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 23, 2025 The referee initially ignored City's claims after Manuel Akanji was wrestled to the ground by Ramy Rabia but the decision was changed after a VAR review. Haaland, who attracted criticism after handing a penalty to Omar Marmoush – who subsequently missed – in the FA Cup final, calmly sent the keeper the wrong way. Nunes went close to adding to the score after a clever flick and turn but his volley flew narrowly side. Phil Foden, who came on at half-time, picked out Haaland with a low cross from the left but Eisa denied him with a double save. The fourth goal came when Gundogan took a pass from Silva and brilliantly dinked over Eisa. City rammed home their advantage in the closing minutes as Bobb fired a shot inside the post and new signing Cherki struck with a low effort from the edge of the area.
Economic Times
22 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Infosys Share Price Live Updates: Infosys Volume Performance
23 Jun 2025 | 09:21:56 AM IST Welcome to the Infosys Stock Liveblog, your ultimate source for real-time updates and analysis of one of the most prominent stocks in the market. Stay on top of the game with our comprehensive coverage, featuring the latest details on Infosys stock, including: Last traded price 1589.4, Market capitalization: 674033.13, Volume: 1066749, Price-to-earnings ratio 25.23, Earnings per share 64.32. Get a holistic view of Infosys with our expert insights into both fundamental and technical indicators. Stay ahead of the curve as we bring you breaking news that can impact the stock's performance. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a curious market enthusiast, rely on us to provide you with valuable information and informed recommendations. Join us on this journey as Infosys thrives in the ever-changing market landscape. The data points are updated as on 09:21:56 AM IST, 23 Jun 2025 Show more
