To the untrained eye, line marking might look the same whether it’s on a busy dual carriageway or in a supermarket car park—but in reality, the approach, materials, and regulations can vary significantly.
At C&R Ltd, we specialise in both road and car park line marking, and understand the technical differences required for each. In this blog, we’ll explain how the two compare—and why getting it right matters for safety, compliance, and durability.
Purpose and Usage
Both road and car park markings serve the same core function: guiding vehicles and keeping people safe. But how they’re used day-to-day differs.
- Road markings need to control traffic flow at speed, often under poor lighting or wet conditions. They include centre lines, give way symbols, lane markings, and more.
- Car park markings are all about organisation—showing drivers where to park, where not to, and how to move safely around pedestrians and obstacles.
The markings may look similar, but the required precision and standards often differ.
Materials and Durability
Roads are exposed to heavier traffic, faster-moving vehicles and harsher conditions. As such, they require extremely durable materials, such as:
- Thermoplastic with reflective beads
- MMA resin for long-lasting highway markings
- Anti-skid finishes for high-risk areas like pedestrian crossings or junctions
Car parks, on the other hand, usually experience lower-speed traffic and shorter wear zones, allowing for more flexible solutions like:
- Line marking paint (especially for private or short-term use)
- Thermoplastic for high-traffic areas like entrances and crossings
- Custom stencils for EV bays, parent & child spaces, disabled bays and branding
At C&R Ltd, we choose the best material for the job—balancing durability, cost-effectiveness, and appearance.
Regulations and Compliance
Public roads must comply with strict UK legislation under the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD). Markings must:
- Use approved layouts and dimensions
- Include reflectivity for night-time visibility
- Be installed by qualified contractors with highways certification
Car park markings (particularly on private land) are more flexible—but still need to comply with:
- Health & Safety at Work regulations
- Equality Act requirements for accessibility
- Site-specific standards for layout, visibility, and safety
We ensure all markings are safe, clear, and legally compliant—whether on public roads or private property.
Why Choose C&R Ltd for Both?
As one of the country’s leading line marking companies, C&R Ltd is trusted by:
✔ Local authorities and highways agencies
✔ Retail parks and commercial developers
✔ Contractors managing roads and private sites
✔ Logistics firms and industrial estates
We’re equipped for both road and car park projects, offering:
- Accurate layout planning
- Durable, compliant materials
- Day or night application to suit your schedule
- Expert advice tailored to your site’s needs
Get in Touch with C&R Ltd Today
Whether you’re marking a public road, a company car park or both, C&R Ltd is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s make your site safe, clear, and fully compliant—wherever the markings are needed.