This year marks a major milestone for the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA), as the association celebrates 50 years representing and supporting the UK’s road marking and highways sector. From its early beginnings to becoming one of the longest standing specialist trade associations in the highways industry, RSMA’s journey is one of relevance and continued evolution.
We caught up with Rob Shearing, Chief Executive of RSMA, to reflect on the association’s achievements over the past five decades, and to hear what’s next as it looks ahead to the future.
From Humble Beginnings to a National Voice
The RSMA represents contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and associate members involved in road markings, high friction surfacing and related technologies. With 69 members spread across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Europe, the association plays a key role in standards, training and best practice.
Reflecting on the milestone, Rob says reaching 50 years is something to be genuinely proud of:
“For any trade association to still be going 50 years later is a real achievement. We’re very proud of that.”
Training has always been at the heart of RSMA’s work. From supporting new entrants through its Specialist Applied skills Programme (SAP) to overseeing and developing Sector Scheme 7, the association has helped train generations of people working at the sharp end of the network and continues to evolve to keep pace with new materials and technologies.
Celebrating 50 Years at the Annual Conference
A key moment in the anniversary year will be RSMA’s Annual Conference and Networking Dinner on 5 February, which will bring members and partners together to celebrate the past while looking firmly to the future.
As with previous years, the conference will feature a strong mix of speakers from across the sector. Attendees can expect updates from National Highways and the Department for Transport, as well as insight from members and industry experts.
Highlights include headline sponsor Swarco, who will be talking all things glass beads and their importance within road markings, alongside speakers such as Jo White (National Highways), Dr Suzy Charman (Road Safety Foundation) and Darren Capes (DfT/IHE).
“There’s a real mix this year,” Rob explains. “We’re looking back at how things have changed over the last 50 years, but also forward, at technology, safety and what the next 50 years might look like.”
A Busy Year Beyond the Celebrations
While the anniversary is a big focus, RSMA has plenty more planned for the year ahead.
One major piece of work is its UK-wide Road Markings Condition Survey, which looks at roads across all four nations. The findings, due out in the first quarter of the year, are expected to echo wider concerns about deteriorating road markings and the impact of limited maintenance budgets.
“We understand the pressure local authorities are under,” says Rob. “road markings are one of the most cost-effective ways of improving safety and supporting the wider economy.”
Alongside this, the RSMA will be publishing a series of white papers aimed at raising awareness of the role road markings play in safety and mobility. The first focuses on edge lines, looking at their importance for driver confidence. Later papers will explore road marking condition and how connected and autonomous vehicles interpret white lines.
Supporting Members and the Future Workforce
Training and skills remain a core part of RSMA’s role. The association continues to adapt its programmes to reflect changes in the industry, including more digital delivery and updated content to match evolving working practices.
Recent changes include moving the Operative Refresher Assessment Scheme (ORAS) online, making it easier for operatives to complete training at a time and place that suits them. The RSMA also continues to work closely with partners such as LCRIG, National Highways and CITB to tackle recruitment challenges and promote the wide range of careers available in the highways sector.
“There’s so much more to this industry than people realise,” Rob adds. “From technology and safety to finance, HR and innovation, it’s a sector with real long-term opportunities.”
Looking Ahead
As RSMA celebrates its 50th year, the focus is very much on keeping the conversation going – about safety, skills, technology and the value of road markings to everyday life.
“We’ve got things to say,” says Rob. “And this year gives us the opportunity to say them a little louder.”
For anyone keen to get involved or find out more, RSMA can be contacted via its website, social channels or directly through the team.
(Images – RSMA)