I really enjoyed reading the article ‘Curse of Maltese driving’ by Martin Scicluna (January 8). The writer makes a number of fair points on the lack of seriousness on Maltese roads leading to frustration and unnecessary accidents.

The writer interestingly asks why road markings on the road fade within a fortnight of their application. This question has often crossed my mind.

The problem lies in the obsolete methods we used to mark roads: simple spray paint applied onto the asphalt surface. Indeed, our method of marking roads has not changed since the 1950s, notwithstanding obvious technological advancements and innovations since.

Other countries use binder resins, plasticisers and glass beads together with the pigment (white colour). The use of these materials has increased over paints internationally due to the performance benefits of increased durability and retro-reflectivity. Not in Malta, however. Why is this?