THE AA has called on local authorities across Britain to use new road markings invented by a Bolton paint manufacturer.

The group believes that the paint used could cut road accidents in dark and wet conditions.

Because of cost, only 12 of 151 local authorities in the UK presently have plans to use the new paint NiteSite.

The new paint, at 33p a metre, costs 8p a metre more than traditional systems currently used in the UK. It sheds standing water due to a unique rippled surface, while highly reflective beads shine light from the coating back at the driver.

NiteSite's makers, Leighs Paints of Kestor Street in Bolton, claim nine times more light is reflected compared to standard road paint.

Neil Greig, head of policy for the AA, said: "The new lines are a good idea, particularly on rural and countryside roads.

"Anything that gives people advance warning on bends, or tells them where not to overtake, would be beneficial."

Helen Tiplady of Leigh's Paints said: "The majority of the councils we contacted said they would like to use NiteSite but don't have the funding.

Even though some councils intend to use it, limited funds restrict how much they can incorporate it."

The Government recently announced the allocation of £1.6 billion to local highway authorities for the next financial year, 41per cent of which is for road maintenance.

Cheshire County Council has used the paint for the past two years on the A556 near Chester, cutting accidents on the road from seven to one since its implementation.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "Bolton Council has laid a trial length of the paint and we have been encouraged by what we have observed.

"We believe that there are uses for the material, in particular on unlit roads and on sections of roads where there are road safety issues, but at the present time, because of the high costs and limited budgets, we cannot foresee a situation where it will replace the existing thermoplastic road marking material."