Dublin company develops glow-in-the-dark road markings

A company based in Dublin, LuminousFlux, is testing new glow-in-the-dark road markings that could improve safety for drivers at night. The recent trials in Sligo have shown promising results, but experiences in other places have been mixed. Arafah Lawal, the founder of LuminousFlux, was inspired by similar technology used in Australia. The goal is to provide better visibility on Ireland's dark roads, which often lack street lighting. The unique paint glows without needing electricity. It absorbs energy from sunlight during the day and can shine for up to 14 hours at night. In Sligo, road markings were applied during the day and were still glowing by nightfall. Feedback from the local council has been positive, and they reported that the markings lasted around eight hours. The glowing lines can also recharge from vehicle headlights, extending their brightness. There is interest from other councils, and LuminousFlux hopes to expand its use. The paint can be mixed into regular road-marking processes and is not much more expensive than traditional reflective options. It does not require digging trenches or installing lights, making it more environmentally friendly. However, the effectiveness of such markings remains under debate. While initial trials in Australia showed benefits in reducing accidents, further tests in different locations, like Victoria, yielded less positive results. In the Netherlands, a trial found issues with the glow's duration, leading to the removal of the markings. Despite these concerns, LuminousFlux's technology could offer advantages, including reducing carbon emissions and protecting wildlife by minimizing disruption to natural habitats. Ongoing research is needed to assess the potential safety benefits of these glowing road markings.