GB2165873A

GB2165873A - Reflective road markers

Info

Publication number: GB2165873A
Application number: GB08517104A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Manby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-07-24
Filing date: 1985-07-05
Publication date: 1986-04-23
Also published as: GB8517104D0; GB2165873B

Abstract

A concrete block 130, which may be part of a kerbstone, is formed with opposite)y facing recesses 132, 133, at respective ends of which there are disposed light reflecting elements 134 and 135. The element 134 is disposed horizontally and green in colour, whilst the element 135 is disposed upright, being yellow in colour. With blocks 130 positioned at opposite sides of the road, drivers may see a series of horizontal green reflecting elements at the nearside of the road, and a series of upright yellow reflective elements at the offside of the road. The specification discloses various other reflecting elements of different shapes and colours, incorporated in kerbstones posts or otherwise. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Reflective road markers This invention relates to reflective road markers.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reflective road marking apparatus which is adapted to be disposed at or adjacent the side of a road and comprises first and second light reflecting elements which are so arranged as to reflect light preferentially in respective first and second, opposite directions along the road, the or each first element being of a different shape or orientation to the or each second element, such that the or each first element is visually distinguishable from the or each second element.

Preferably, the or each first element is of a different colour to the or each second element. In a preferred arrangement, at least one said first element is green and/or at least one said second element is yellow.

At least one said first element and at least one said second element may be disposed on a common body.

At least one of the elements may be facetted to facilitate light reflection and/or may be elongate, in plan. At least one of said elements may have the shape of a truncated pyramid, and/or may have a hollow portion. At least one of said elements may be of moulded plastics material.

The apparatus may comprise at least one kerbstone having at least one of said elements disposed at one side thereon.

In a second aspect, the invention provides reflective road marking apparatus comprising a kerbstone having at least one light reflecting element disposed at one side thereof so as to reflect light preferentially in one direction along the road.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "kerbstone" includes any block adapted to be disposed alongside an edge of the road, adjacent to the surface thereof.

There may be provided apparatus in accordance with both the first and second aspect of the invention.

The kerbstone may be formed with at least one recess in or adjacent which a respective one of said elements is disposed. The or each said recess may extend along the kerbstone such that, in use, it extends along the direction of extent of a respective road. The or each element may be cast into the kerbstone.

In an alternative arrangement, said elements may be mounted on at least one stake or spike which is adapted to be driven into the ground or other support.

Means may be provided for shielding at least one said element from falling snow. At least one said element may be disposed in a rain water path such that it may be rinsed by falling rain.

The invention also extends to a relative road marking system comprising a series of apparatus disposed along a road side, the apparatus being in accordance with the first and/or second aspect of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a reflective road marking device, in side elevation; Figure 2 is a plan view of the road marking device; Figure 3 is a part perspective view illustrating the device of Figures 1 and 2 incorporated in a kerbstone; Figures 4 and 5 illustrate another reflective road marking device, respectively in side elevation and plan view; Figure 6 illustrates two complementary reflective road marking devices; Figure 7 shows both of the devices in Figure 6 in plan view; Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another reflective road marking device, respectively in plan view and side elevation;; Figure 10 illustrates in plan view parts of two kerbstones abutted end-to-end, each with a respective reflective device therein; Figures ii and 12 are sectional views taken respectively along the lines Xl-XI and Xll-Xli of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a view similar to Figures 11 and 12, but showing an alternative embodiment; Figures 14a and 14b illustrate a reflective road marking device, respectively in plan view and cross-section; Figures 15a and 15b to 17a and 17b are views similar to Figures 14a and 14b, but showing different road marking devices; Figures 18a and 18b illustrate a reflective road marking device, respectively in plan view and longitudinal section; Figures 19 and 20 are longitudinal sectional views of alternative road marking devices;; Figures 21a, b and c show another road marking device, respectively in plan view, cross-sectional view and longitudinal section view; Figure 22 illustrates, in perspective, part of a concrete insert adapted to be disposed between two kerbstones; Figures 23 and 24 illustrate alternative inserts, in plan view; Figure 25 illustrates another insert, in end elevation; Figure 26 illustrates another insert, in side elevation; and Figures 27, 28 and 29 illustrate a road marker respectively in front, side and rear elevation.

The reflective road marking device 1 which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a body 2 of clear plastics material. By way of example, the body 2 may have a length of 20 centimetres, a maximum height of 6 centimetres, and a thickness of 2 centimetres.

Embodied within the clear plastics material of the body 2 is a first light reflecting element 3 and a second light reflecting element 4. As shown in Figure 1 and 2, the first light reflecting element 3 is elongate, extending generally along the length of the body 2. It is set at an angle within the body 2 such that, as seen in Figure 2, it reflects light preferentially to the left. By way of example, the light reflecting element 3 may be coloured green.

The second light reflecting element 4 is somewhat smaller than the first element 3. It is also elongate, but arranged transversely of the body 2, in a cruciform part 5 thereof. As may be seen in Figure 2, the second light reflecting element 4 is angled within the body 2 so as to reflect light preferentially to the right. By way of example, the second light reflecting element 4 may be coloured yellow.

In Figure 3, the road marking device 1 is shown incorporated within a kerbstone 10. The device 1 has an external face 6 which is substantially flat, and is substantially flush with a vertical side face 11 of the kerbstone 10.

It will be appreciated that, with the kerbstone 10 positioned at the nearside (i.e. the left hand side in the U.K.) of the road, the light from the headlamps of a car which is travelling along the nearside of the road will be reflected by the device 1. Due to the positioning of the light reflecting elements 3 and 4, the first green element 3 reflects light preferentially back to the driver, whilst the second, yellow element 4 is substantially ineffective to the driver's eye. On the other hand, for a car travelling in the opposite direction, on the other side of the road, light from the car's headlamps will be reflected preferentially to the driver by the second, yellow element 4, and the first, green element 3 will be largely ineffective.

Thus, the device 1 is operative to mark the road side distinctly, for drivers travelling in either direction along the road. If a device such as 1 is incorporated in each kerbstone along each side of the road, then a driver in either direction will see, at night, a series of green, substantially horizontal strips along the nearside of the road, and a series of yellow, upright strips along the offside.

It is particularly convenient that a reflective road marking device such as 1 is incorporated in a kerbstone such as 10. At the present time, kerbstones are usually manufactured by moulding a stone aggregate. It will be appreciated, therefore, that at least one device such as 1 may readily be incorporated into a kerbstone such as 10 during the moulding thereof. Then, when the kerbstone is laid, the reflective road marking device 1 is automatically put into position at the same time. This is in marked contrast to the installation of other reflective road marking devices, where additional operations, involving rather costly labour, are required.

It will be appreciated that, due to its positioning in the vertical side face of the kerbstone 10, there is a relatively low risk of damage to the reflective road marking device 1. Should a vehicle wheel encounter the kerb, it is much more likely to engage the upper surface or corner of the kerbstone 10, than the device 1. if devices such as 1 are positioned at regular intervals (e.g. on every kerbstone), then the effective life of the system as a whole may be relatively long, as the system will remain effective for as long as a reasonable proportion of the devices such as 1 remain intact.

The first and second light reflecting elements 3 and 4 are of different shapes, as well as of different colours. Thus, they may readily be distinguished by their shape, even by colour blind drivers. The cruciform arrangement 5 of the body 2 may be advantageous, in that it affords an improved keying surface for the device 1 when it is moulded into the kerbstone 10.

It is to be appreciated that the accompanying drawings are only diagrammatic, and that other shapes and configurations, both of the device 1 as a whole and of its respective elements, may be varied as desired. In particular, the surfaces of the light reflecting elements 3 and 4, and their dispositions, must be such as to reflect light preferentially to the two opposite directions of traffic flow. Depending upon the light reflecting nature of their surfaces, it may be preferred to use light reflecting elements of curved rather than plane shape, to achieve the desired directional reflectivity.

In addition simply to indicating the position of the roadside, devices such as 1 may be adapted to indicate any hazard or information.

The device 15 which is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 comprises a body 16 of clear plastics material in which are embedded a plurality of light reflecting elements 17, in a similar manner to the device 1. However, in Figures 4 and 5, each of the light reflecting elements 17 is of circular shape, and may be coloured red, for example. All of the elements 17 are parallel to one another. Devices such as 15 may be used, for example, to indicate the outside of a bend in the road. Similar devices, but with white reflecting elements rather than the red reflecting elements 17, may be used on the inside of a bend.

It will also be seen that, in Figures 4 and 5, the clear plastics body 16 has a first portion 18 in which the reflecting elements 17 are embedded, and a second enlarged portion 19. The enlarged portion 19 affords improved strength of the device 15, and improved keying of the device 15 in a kerbstone (or other structure).

In Figures 6 and 7, complementary devices 20 and 21 each comprise a body of clear plastics material 22, in which series of alternating first and second light reflecting elements 23 and 24 are arranged. By way of example, the first elements 23 are blue and the second elements 24 are white. Together, they build up a striped pattern. The two devices 20 and 21, when placed side by side, make up a chevron, which may be used as a direction indicator.

The illustrated devices which have been described above are generally suitable for incorporation into kerbstones, as illustrated in Figure 3, or for incorporation into any other structure at the roadside. As suggested above, the light reflecting members may be used to make up any desired pattern. For example, they may be used to indicate parking and/or loading restrictions, in which case the reflective road marking devices may be placed in either the vertical side faces or the horizontal upper faces of kerbstone.

In the alternative arrangement shown in Figures 8 and 9, a reflecting road marking device 25 again comprises a body 26 of clear plastics material, in which is embedded first and second light reflecting elements 27 and 28. However, instead of being incorporated in a vertical face at the roadside, the device 25 is adapted to be incorporated in the substantially horizontal road surface, directly. Thus, for example, devices such as 25 may be incorporated at intervals along the road surface where no kerb exists - for example, in country areas.If the devices 25 are installed along each side of the road, they may be so oriented that the first reflecting element 27 of each device 25 (which element may be coloured green) reflects light preferentially to traffic on the respective nearside of the road, whilst each second reflecting element 28 (which may be coloured red) reflects light preferentially to the traffic on the other side of the road.

In the drawings, the external faces of the reflective road marking devices have been shown as completely flat. However, if desired, the external faces may be somewhat chamfered, to facilitate their incorporation into respective supporting structures.

In Figures 10 to 12, two kerbstones 30 and 31 are abutted end-to-end. Each of the kerbstones 30 and 31 is identical, being provided at its left hand end (as seen in the Figures) with a green light reflecting device 33 and a recess 34, and at its right hand end with a yellow light reflecting device 35 and a recess 36. As may be seen in Figure 10, the yellow light reflecting device 35 at the right hand side of the kerbstone 30 registers with the recess 34 in the left hand end of the kerbstone 31. Similarly, the green light reflective device 33 at the left hand end of the kerbstone 31 registers with the recess 36 at the right hand end of the kerbstone 30. The yellow light reflecting device 35 is disposed above the green light reflecting device 33.

It will be appreciated that, for a vehicle travelling from left to right (with reference to Figures 10 to 12 as seen), the kerbstones 30, 31 are at the nearside of the vehicle, and light from the vehicles headlamps will be reflected by each green device 33, via the respective recess 36. Conversely, for a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction, light will be reflected by the yellow devices 35, via the recesses 34.

The arrangement as illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 may be put into effect in a particularly simple manner. The recesses 34, 36 may readily be formed in the kerbstones 30, 31 during manufacture thereof, and particularly if they are moulded, the light reflecting devices 33, 35 may readily be incorporated in the end faces of the kerbstones. In Figures 10 to 12, the devices 33, 35 are shown as having a proud convex outer surface. However, it is to be understood that the devices may be of any suitable form, and in particular, may be flush with the end faces of the respective kerbstones.

As an alternative to providing the light reflecting devices 33, 35 and the recesses 34, 36 during manufacture of the kerbstones, they may be installed subsequently, and in particular, when the kerbstones are alread in situ, by the roadside. To this end, the recesses 34 and 36 may be formed by a suitable drill, and the reflective devices 33, 35 subsequently installed, e.g. by means of a suitable ce ment/adhesive.

As an alternative to positioning the reflective devices 33, 35 and their respective recesses 34, 36 at the ends of the kerbstones, they may be disposed at any desired positions along the kerbstones. The reflective devices 33, 35 may be of any shape, colour, pattern and number.

Another alternative is illustrated in Figure 13, where two kerbstones 40, 41 are abutted end-toend, and are formed with recesses 42 and 43, in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figures 10 to 12. However, in Figure 13, the recesses 42, 43 at the ends of the kerbstones 40, 41 are at the same level and, at the joint between the kerbstones, there is disposed a light reflecting device 44. This device 44 has two oppositely facing light reflecting surfaces 45 and 46, the former of which is green and the latter of which is yellow. The device 44 is secured in either or both of the kerbstones 40, 41 by suitable means - e.g., a projecting lug 47 which is anchored in the kerbstone(s).

In Figure 13, the two kerbstones 40, 41 may be disposed adjacent one another, with a small gap therebetween, which is filled with cement. However, the cement is so arranged as to direct fallen rain water down the gap and towards the light reflecting device 44, such that the rain water flows over and thereby washes the light reflecting surfaces 45 and 46. The embodiment of Figures 10 to 12 may also be so arranged that rain water may flow over the light reflecting elements 33, 35.

Figures 14a and 14b illustrate a reflective road marking device 50, which is particularly suitable for installation in a kerbstone, or other roadside structure. The device 50 comprises a body of translucent material which has a square base 51 on which there is formed a circular portion 52 which is either of light reflective material or contains a light reflecting element. The device 50 may readily be incorporated into a kerbstone during moulding thereof, as has been described above. The square base 51 assists keying of the device 50 within the kerbstone. It will be appreciated that the device 50 may be mass-produced at a very low price, as a moulded plastics article (containing any desired light reflecting element or material). It may be readily incorporated into an existing kerbstone, simply by drilling the kerbstone to form a recess of suitable dimensions, and embedding the device 50 within the recess, by means of a suitable cement or adhesive. The base 51 may be circular, of greater diameter than the portion 52, rather than square.

The reflective device 60 which is shown in Figures 15a and 15b comprises a body 61 of plastics material which contains a light reflecting element or material, and is formed with side flanges 62, to assist the keying of the device 60 in a mouldable material.

The device 70 which is shown in Figures 16a and 16b also comprises a body of plastics material, within which there is disposed a light reflective element or material. The body 71 is formed with a generally T-shaped extension 72, to assist keying.

In Figures 17a and 17b, a body 81 of plastics material contains a light reflective element or material, and is formed with inwardly turned lips 82, to assist keying.

The device 60 to 80 may be manufactured as plastics extrusions, rather than by moulding.

Devices such as are shown in Figures 14 to 17 may be formed in any suitable shape, size, pattern and colour, and may be disposed in kerbstones to reflect light preferentially in one direction. They may be grouped to form any desired pattern.

In Figures 18a and 18b, a light reflecting member 90 is pivotally mounted in a housing 91, via pivot points 92. A compression spring 93 within the housing 91 urges the member 90 outwardly from the housing, to a limit position which is defined by the abutment of a projection 94 on the member 90 with a lip 95 on the housing 91. The member 90 is formed, on its external surface, with a first light reflecting portion 96, which is green, and a second light reflecting portion 97, which is yellow.

In use, the housing 91 is embedded within a kerbstone, such that its external surface (part of which is defined in the lip 95) is substantially flush with the vertical side face of the kerbstone. The member 90 then projects somewhat from the kerbstone. It will be appreciated that, as in preceding embodiments, the member 90 may be arranged to reflect green light via the portion 96 to vehicles on the nearside, and yellow light via the portion 97 to vehicles on the offside.

In the event of an obstruction applying a force to it, the member 90 is able to pivot downwardly within the housing 91, against the bias of the spring 93, to reduce the risk of damage.

In an analogous manner, a light reflecting member 100 is shown in Figure 19 as being disposed within a housing 101, in which it is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot point 102. Spring wires 103 bias the member 100 to a centre position as shown in the Figure. The member 100 has a green light reflecting portion 106 at one side thereof, and a yellow light reflecting portion at an opposite side, to reflect different coloured light to nearside and offside vehicles, as described generally above.

Upon an obstruction applying a force to it, the member 100 may pivot around the pivot point 102 against the bias of the spring wires 103, to retract within the housing 101.

Figure 20 illustrates another spring biased light reflecting member 110, which is disposed in a respective housing 111. A leaf spring 112 urges the member 110 upwardly (as seen in Figure 20), so that in the event of an obstruction applying a force to it, the member 110 is able to retract within the housing 111, against the bias of the spring 112.

Again, the member 110 has a first, green light reflective portion 116 at one side, and a second, yellow light reflecting portion 117 at an opposite side.

In Figures 21a, b and c, a reflective road marking device 120 comprises a body of moulded plastics material which contains a light reflecting material or element. For example, the device 120 may be internally faceted to reflect light. The plastics body is in the form of a truncated pyramid of rectangular cross-section, having a hollowed out base 121.

It will be appreciated that the road marking device 120 may be moulded from plastics material in a particularly simple and economic manner, and is of a shape which particularly enhances keying of the device 120, when set in an adhesive or cement.

The device 120 may be of any colour and/or pattern, and be incorporated in kerbstones generally as has been described above.

All of the above described embodiments comprise full length kerbstones - e.g. of a standard three foot or one metre length. In an alternative arrangement, light reflective elements may be incorporated in inserts adapted to be positioned between kerbstones. Thus, in Figure 22, there is shown a concrete insert 130 which is formed on an upright side face 131 with two recesses 132, 133, similar in shape to the recesses 34, 36 of Figures 10 to 12. At the right hand end of the recess 132 (as seen) there is disposed a horizontal, green light reflecting element 134, and at the left hand end of the recess 133 (as seen) there is disposed an upright, yellow light reflecting element 135.The elements 134, 135 may be of the form illustrated in Figure 21, and reflect light respectively to the left and to the right (as seen) - e.g. to the drivers of cars travelling in opposite directions, as has been generally described above.

On the top surface 137 of the insert 130 there are embedded two parallel, blue light reflecting elements 136. They may, if desired, be of the form illustrated in Figure 21. All of the light reflecting elements 134, 135 and 136 may be joined together as a sub-assembly, which may be positioned in a mould during manufacture of the insert 130, in a concrete moulding process.

In use, the insert 130 is simply positioned between two conventional kerbstones. It will be appreciated that inserts such as 130 may incorporate light reflective elements of any shape, configuration, pattern and colour and, by juxtaposing various different inserts between kerbstones, many different patterns may be built up.

As has been discussed generally above, the green and yellow elements 134, 135 may serve to indicate to the drivers of vehicles the nearside and offside of a road, respectively. The elements 136 may indicate, for example, an area where parking is permitted. Inserts similar to the inserts 136 but of a different colour and/or pattern may indicate a parking restriction.

By way of example, the insert 130 may have a length (between the opposite ends of the upright face 131) of between 10 and 20 cm.

The insert 140 which is illustrated in Figure 23 is generally similar to that shown in Figure 22 except that, in plan view, it has inclined end walls 141.

Thus, the insert 140 may be used between two adjacent kerbstones 145, which are required to be disposed at an angle to one another. In Figure 23, the positions of recesses 142, 143 similar to the recesses 132, 133 of Figure 22 are indicated in chain lines.

Figure 24 illustrates another insert 150 which is similar to the insert 140 of Figure 23, but which has curved inner and outer faces 151, 152. It will be appreciated that the insert 150 is especially suitable for use between curved kerbstones.

The insert 130 is shown in Figure 22 as being of substantially rectangular cross-section. However, it may be of any other suitable cross-section, to match any desired type of kerbstone. For example, as shown in Figure 25, there is an insert 160 which is generally similar to that illustrated in Figure 25, except that light reflecting elements and their respective recesses are disposed in a bevelled face 161 of the insert 160, rather than the upright side face 131 as shown in Figure 22. In Figure 25, the positions of recesses 162, 163, with respective light reflecting elements 164, 165, are shown in chain lines.

The insert 170 which is shown in Figure 26 has end faces 171 which are curved, in side elevation.

Each of the end faces 171 is adapted to mate with a correspondingly shaped end face of a kerbstone such that, when the insert 170 is positioned between two such kerbstones, it is effectively locked in position by the mating end faces 171 and the corresponding end faces of the kerbstones. In Figure 26, the upright side face 172 of the insert 170 is formed with light reflecting elements 173 in the form of chevrons.

The inserts shown in Figures 22 to 26 may be of a material other than concrete - for example, they may be moulded of plastics.

The road marker 180 that is illustrated in Figures 27 to 29 comprises an upright stake 181 of any desired height, having a sharpened lower end 182, whereby it may readily be driven into the ground.

On the front face 183 of the stake 181 there is mounted a horizontal, green reflective road marking device 184, above which there is located a canopy 185 which is formed with an elongate slot 186, or otherwise perforated. On the rear face 188 of the stake 181 there is mounted a vertical, yellow reflective road marking device 187, which is also disposed below a canopy 185 formed with a slit 186.

In use, the stake 181 is driven into the ground at the roadside, with the green road marking device 184 facing oncoming traffic, at the nearside of the road, and the yellow reflective device 187 facing oncoming traffic on the offside of the road. It will be appreciated that devices such as 180 may be readily disposed at intervals along the roadside, in country areas where no kerbs are provided, thereby to provide different coloured light reflective warning signs, in a manner somewhat similar to that described above with respect to the preceding figures. Each of the reflective devices 184 and 187 may be similar to the device 120 described above with reference to Figures 21a to 21c.

The canopies 185 prevent snow from settling on top of the devices 184, 187 and thereby obscuring them. However, the slits 186 (or other perforations) allow rain water to fall through the canopies 185, thereby to wash the elements 184, 187. It will be seen that both of the elements 184, 187 are inclined somewhat to the vertical. This may facilitate the washing of the devices by rain water, and also may help to direct the devices 184, 187 somewhat upwardly to the line of vision of drivers, if the stakes such as 181 are not particularly high. Indeed, this feature of inclining the devices such as 184, 187 somewhat to the vertical may be employed generally in the other embodiments of the invention described above.

A particular feature of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 27 to 29 is that the reflective device that faces the oncoming driver at the nearside of the road is green, and therefore cannot readily be confused with a vehicle light. Where the road becomes dangerous, red coloured reflective devices (e.g. circular or triangular in shape) may be substituted for the green devices 184, to alert the drivers to the changing conditions.

As in the preceding embodiments, the difference in orientation between the devices 184 and 187 serves additionally to reinforce in the drivers mind the opposite sides of the road. Also as described above, the reflective devices 184, 187 may be replaced with, for example, blue reflective devices of any desired shape and/or configuration, to indicate direction (e.g. as at a corner).

In a modification to the road marker 180 illustrated in Figures 27 to 29, the stake 181 may be replaced with a spike which is adapted to be driven into a tree, so as to be substantially horizontal.

Means may be provided for varying the attitude of the reflective devices 184, 187 and their canopies 185, relative to that of the spike (or stake 181), such that they may always be adjusted to the correct attitude. For example, the reflective devices 184, 187 with their canopies 185 may be mounted as a rotatable sub-assembly, at the end of a stake 181, spike or other fastening means.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments illustrated and described above may be of great utility in indicating to drivers their position with respect to the sides of a road, and optionally, also to indicate danger and any other information of importance. Where, as preferred, reflective devices are incorporated in kerbstones, they are much less susceptible to damage than, for example, conventional reflecting roadstuds that are fitted into the road surface, or upright signs that are placed by the roadside. Indeed, kerbstones provided with reflective markers may be almost always invisible to a driver, unlike roadside signs, which can often be obscured by passing traffic or other obstructions.

A further advantage of fitting reflective devices to kerbstones is that, should a pedestrian step into the road, he is likely to be much more visible to the driver, as he will break the line of vision from the driver to the reflecting devices. Such reflecting devices may be almost always visible to the driver, even in rain, fog, snow or other adverse weather conditions, and even against the glare of oncoming headlights.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification and/or drawings, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Reflective road marking apparatus which is adapted to be disposed at or adjacent the side of a road and comprises first and second light reflecting elements which are so arranged as to reflect light preferentially in respective first and second, opposite directions along the road, the or each first element being of a different shape or orientation to the or each second element, such that the or each first element is visually distinguishable from the or each second element. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the or each first element is of a different colour to the or each second element. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one said first element is green. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1,2 or 3, wherein at least one said second element is yellow. 5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said first element and at least one said second element are disposed on a common body. 6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said elements is facetted to facilitate light reflection. 7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said elements is elongate, in plan. 8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said elements has the shape of a truncated pyramid. 9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said elements has a hollow portion. 10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of said elements is of moulded plastics material. 11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one kerbstone having at least one of said elements disposed at one side thereof. 12. Reflective road marking apparatus comprising a kerbstone having at least one light reflecting element disposed at one side thereof so as to reflect light preferentially in one direction along the road. 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, and also to any one of claims 1 to 11. 14. Apparatus according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the kerbstone is formed with at least one recess in or adjacent which a respective one of said elements is disposed. 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the or each said recess extends along the kerbstone such that, in use, it extends along the direction of extend of a respective road. 16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the or each element is cast into the kerbstone. 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said elements are mounted on at least one stake or spike which is adapted to be driven into the ground or other support. 18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for shielding at least one said element from falling snow. 19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is disposed in a rainwater path such that it may be rinsed by falling rain. 20. Reflective road marking apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, either singly or in combination. 21. A reflective road marking system comprising a series of apparatus disposed along a road side, the apparatus being in accordance with any preceding claim. Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: (a) Claim 1-21 above have been deleted (b) New claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1 - 25

1. Reflective road marking apparatus comprising a kerbstone formed with a recess in one face thereof, and at least one light reflecting element disposed in or adjacent the recess such that said element does not protrude from said face but is operative to reflect light preferentially in one direction along a road.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising first and second said light reflecting elements which are each disposed in or adjacent a respective said recess and are so arranged as to reflect light preferentially in respective first and second, opposite directions along a road.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the or each first element is of a different shape or orientation to the or each second element, such that the or each first element is visually distinguishable from the or each second element.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the or each first element is of a different colour to the or each second element.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein at least one said first element is green.

6. Apparatus according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein at least one said second element is yellow.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least one said first element and at least one said second element are disposed on a common body.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is facetted to facilitate light reflection.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one said element is internally facetted to fa cilitate light reflection.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is elongate, in plan.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element has the shape of a truncated pyramid.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element has a hollow portion.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is of moulded plastics material.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each said recess extends along the respective kerbstone such that, in use, it extends along the direction of extent of a respective road.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each said recess is disposed in a side face, between an upper face and a lower face of the respective kerbstone.

16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is cast or cemented into the respective kerbstone.

17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one said element is mounted on a body which is disposed between two adjacent kerbstones.

18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is so arranged as to reflect light towards the centre of a respective road.

19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is so arranged as to reflect light upwardly.

20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said element is disposed in a rainwater path such that it may be rinsed by falling rain.

21. Reflective road marking apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, either singly or in combination.

22. A reflective road marking system comprising a series of apparatuses disposed along the road side, each apparatus being in accordance with any preceding claim.

23. Reflective road marking apparatus comprising a stake or spike which is adapted to be driven into the ground or other support and at least one light reflecting element disposed at one side thereof so as to reflect light preferentially in one direction along the road.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, including means for shielding at least one element from falling snow.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said means comprises a canopy disposed above the or each respective element, the canopy being partly perforated to allow rainwater therethrough.