Municipalities across Canada report that road lines are fading faster, increasing costs and safety risks, due to a federal environmental regulation limiting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint. While Environment and Climate Change Canada defends the rule for reducing smog, local politicians and industry experts argue it compromises durability and safety, especially in rural areas lacking street lighting. They call for either more funding or a re-evaluation of the paint formulation.
Road lines fading faster after environmental rule, say local politicians – raising costs and safety concerns
Politics
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Municipalities across Canada report that road lines are fading faster, increasing costs and safety risks, due to a federal environmental regulation limiting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint. While Environment and Climate Change Canada defends the rule for reducing smog, local politicians and industry experts argue it compromises durability and safety, especially in rural areas lacking street lighting. They call for either more funding or a re-evaluation of the paint formulation.
Trending- 1 Ongoing: Municipalities report faster fading road lines; debates about the regulation.
- 2 May 1 to Oct. 15: Period when lower VOC limit is required.
- Road lines fading more quickly
- Increased costs for municipalities (more frequent repainting)
- Heightened safety risks for drivers, pedestrians, and motorists (especially in rural areas at night)
- Potential for more road accidents
- Debate between environmental protection and road safety/cost
What: Municipalities across Canada are experiencing faster fading of road lines, leading to increased costs and safety concerns, which they attribute to a federal environmental regulation limiting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in road marking paints.
When: Ongoing (municipalities report, current issue), 'May 1 to Oct. 15' (period when lower VOC limit is required).
Where: Canada (across the country), Ottawa, Halton Hills, Halton region, Brazeau County (Alberta), rural areas.
Why: The federal regulation limits VOCs to reduce smog (particulate matter and ground-level ozone) for health reasons. However, this lower VOC concentration leads to 'inherent issues with adhesion and durability' of the paint, causing lines to fade faster.
How: Environment and Climate Change Canada implemented regulations limiting VOC concentration in road marking products from 450 grams per litre to 150 grams per litre during mild weather months (May 1 to Oct. 15).