The Reading Borough Council has started applying cold road marking paint products instead of the traditional hot paint material for marking lines on residential roads in Reading. According to the council, this change comes with quieter line painting, reduced carbon emissions, prolonged longevity, and a more environmentally friendly approach.
The introduction of this innovative machine is aimed at cost reduction and aligning with Reading’s commitment to achieving net carbon zero by significantly lowering carbon emissions, by up to 60%.
Priced at £100,000, the electric paint machine serves as a replacement for older diesel-powered vehicles and boasts the ability to operate for a full 8-hour shift on a single charge.
Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing the distinctions between cold and hot marking, particularly in terms of durability and suitability for specific applications.
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Cold Road Marking:
Material: Cold road marking typically involves using pre-formed thermoplastic tapes or paints that do not require heating. Application: Applied at ambient temperature without the need for heating equipment. Speed: Generally quicker to apply compared to hot road marking as there is no need for preheating.
Hot Road Marking:
Material: Hot road marking uses thermoplastic materials that need to be heated before application. Application: Requires specialized equipment to heat the material before it is applied onto the road surface. Speed: Application may take longer due to the heating process, but it tends to be more durable in the long run.
Durability: May have slightly less durability compared to hot road markings. Suitability: Often used for smaller road marking projects, temporary markings, or where speed of application is crucial.
Durability: Generally more durable and can withstand heavier traffic and harsh weather conditions. Suitability: Preferred for larger road marking projects, highways, and areas with high traffic volume where long-lasting markings are essential.
THE ADVANTAGES OF COLD PLASTIC – Cold application, reduced safety risk and no hot works – More durable than hot plastic methods – Increase retro reflectivity improving safety and experience for road users – Sustainable with less site visits required, reducing disruption also and reducing worker safety risk – Smaller application equipment required and lower investment. – Can be applied with solely electric equipment – carbon friendly – Factory controlled colour, UV Stable and options to match to specific RAL Codes
THE DISADVANTAGES OF COLD PLASTIC – Initial product application more expensive per metre – Longer cure time – deeper operational process – More susceptible to weather conditions and changes at point of application – Higher skill set required – Training required to ensure correct application
THE ADVANTAGES OF THERMOPLASTIC – Short drying times. No need for full road closures. – Low initial cost per metre. – Can be applied to fresh black top without a primer – Minimum product waste
THE DISADVANTAGES OF THERMOPLASTIC – Low UV stability on colours – Colour matching difficult with pigments being manually added – Poor adhesion values on concrete – Low softening point – durability reduced in hot weather – Pick up dirt easily in mucky environments – Hot temperatures to apply and permits may be required for application
When deciding between cold and hot road marking, factors such as the project’s specific requirements, desired durability, project size, and budget constraints play crucial roles. Each method presents its own advantages, and the choice often hinges on the unique needs and limitations of the road marking project.
You might remember our recent article discussing the concerns raised by Reading residents about the council’s decision to hike parking fees and scrap the 30-minute free parking offer at some car parks.
Now, Tilehurst’s Conservative representative, Councillor Raj Singh, is leading the charge for a change in direction. He’s launched a digital petition urging the Labour-led Reading Council to reconsider their decision.
Thousands have already signed the petition in protest against the council’s decision to remove the 30-minute free parking option at two of its car parks.
Tilehurst locals have seen firsthand the negative impact of the new parking charges at Dunstall Close and the Recreation car park. Businesses in the Triangle area are feeling the pinch, with fewer customers putting their survival at risk. This situation makes it harder for residents to access the everyday services they rely on.
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The community is calling on Reading Council to think again and bring back the 30-minute free parking scheme. Doing so would ease the burden on local businesses and ensure residents can access essential services without hassle.
The car park near Reading Station has been identified as the UK’s fifth most expensive, according to a recent study conducted by Moneybarn, a car finance company. The study examined parking costs at the busiest train stations across the UK for an eight-hour stay on weekdays to determine the most expensive train station car parks nationwide. Oxford claimed the top spot as the most expensive train station car park in Britain, with a cost of £31.50 for eight hours.
The car park at Reading Station, managed by private operator APCOA Parking, charges £21.00 for an eight-hour stay and is not affiliated with the station itself. This car park next to Reading Station was ranked joint fifth in terms of expense.
Below is a list of the most expensive train station car parks in the UK (excluding London).
Rail station
Parking price for 8 hours
Total annual footfall (Apr 2021-Mar 2022)
1 Oxford
£31.50
5.0M
2 Glasgow Central
£24.95
15.3M
2 Moorfields
£24.95
4.8M
4 Sheffield
£22.00
7.2M
5 Reading
£21.00
8.8M
Reading Station serves nearly 20 million passengers annually. When Reading West approached APCOA for comment, the company had not yet responded to provide a statement.
The Wren School in Reading has been recently rated as ‘requiring improvement’ after an inspection by Ofsted, highlighting areas within the institution that need enhancement. Previously, it held a grade of Good during the inspection.
Led by Principal John Salberg, the school, situated in Reading west, operates under the governance of the Excalibur Academies Trust, overseen by CEO Nicky Edmondson and a board of trustees chaired by Toby Watson.
According to the Ofsted report, there are several areas identified for improvement.
Overall effectiveness
Requires improvement
The quality of education
Requires improvement
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth-form provision
Requires improvement
Previous inspection grade
Good
Firstly, in certain subjects, crucial knowledge and skills essential for student learning have not been adequately identified and organized. This has resulted in challenges for teachers in determining the appropriate content to teach and when to teach it. To address this issue, the school must focus on further developing its curriculum to ensure students acquire key knowledge and skills across all subjects and key stages, including the sixth form.
Secondly, some teachers have been found to employ ineffective strategies in aiding student learning, leading to suboptimal learning outcomes. It is imperative for school leaders to ensure that staff are equipped with effective teaching methods to introduce new learning materials and assist students in understanding and retaining the information taught.
Furthermore, the school has been criticized for not consistently providing appropriate support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), hindering their ability to thrive academically. To rectify this, the school must offer additional training and support for staff to ensure that all students, including those with SEND, receive the necessary assistance for success.
Lastly, a minority of students were noted to exhibit a lack of focus on their learning, attributed to inconsistent application of the school’s behavior policy by some teachers. It is recommended that the school continues to integrate and enforce the new behavior system, ensuring consistent implementation by all staff members.
In response to these findings, the Wren School is expected to take proactive measures to address the identified areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience for its students.
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