Fading road markings in and around High Wycombe are making roads less safe, motorists have warned, but the council insists they are routinely monitored.

Concerns have been raised about markings on the A40 London Road, where lane lines, turning arrows and stop markings are said to have become difficult to see.

Cllr Trevor Snaith, the Independent councillor for Marsh and Micklefield, has accused Buckinghamshire Council of falling behind on maintenance and allowing markings to deteriorate until they reach a “critical” condition.

Cllr Snaith said: “Residents keep asking why road markings across Wycombe are fading to the point of being invisible — and why we aren’t seeing council crews out with pots of paint putting this right.

“London Road alone is now so worn that drivers can barely see lane lines, turning arrows or stop markings. It’s a basic safety issue.

“The reality is that Buckinghamshire Council has fallen behind on its road-marking maintenance programme.

“Repainting is supposed to happen routinely, but the council has been prioritising other works and leaving markings to deteriorate until they reach a ‘critical’ level.”

Cllr Snaith added: “This is not acceptable. Clear road markings are a fundamental part of road safety, and the current situation shows a lack of planning and oversight.

“Wycombe residents deserve to see crews out on the ground, repainting lines before they vanish — not after complaints reach breaking point.”

The RAC has also warned that deteriorating road markings are a nationwide safety concern.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers are widely reporting that road markings have been left to fade into obscurity, making roads less safe as a result.

“The problem appears to have got progressively worse, as a majority of drivers say the visibility of markings has deteriorated in the last five years.

“And, while all painted lines are important to ensure drivers do the right thing, the fact some, such as those dividing lanes and even stop lines, are disappearing is troubling.”

He said almost one in five drivers reported having a near miss because of faded markings, while more than one in ten said they had overshot a junction.

However, Buckinghamshire Council said markings were inspected regularly and added to a planned programme when work was required.

Cllr Thomas Broom, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, said: “Buckinghamshire Council takes all aspects of road safety extremely seriously.

“Road markings are routinely monitored by our highway inspectors as part of our regular inspection programme.

“Where markings are identified as requiring refreshment, they are added to a programme of works and completed by our specialist lining contractors as part of planned maintenance activities.

“If residents believe road markings have deteriorated to a point where they may present a safety concern, we encourage them to report the issue via Fix My Street.

“This enables the location to be inspected outside of the routine inspection schedule and any necessary action to be taken.”