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Anger as ‘outrageous’ yellow lines appear in Dedham Vale AONB

David Lowe near the new double yellow lines leading into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN Archant

A concerned resident on the Suffolk and Essex border has hit out at authorities as he says double-yellow lines are ruining the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Bill Davies and David Lowe walking into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN Bill Davies and David Lowe walking into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

To many, Dedham Vale is known as one of the regions most beautiful landscapes and was the inspiration of much of world-renowned artist John Constable's work.

But now, local man David Lowe says a new stretch of double-yellow lines is "destroying" the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"I just cant believe it," Mr Lowe said. "It looks like it runs for at least 200 yards.

"It is absolutely outrageous, I don't understand why they would decide to use such a ridiculous shade of bright yellow.

New double yellow lines leading into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN New double yellow lines leading into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

"They are destroying the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not protecting it."

Mr Lowe, a chartered surveyor, says others in the area are appalled after the lines unexpectedly appeared during the week.

The news comes just weeks after another angry man, in Bury St Edmunds, called similarly coloured lines "hideous".

People in Woodbridge also used the word to describe repeated yellow road markings in their town centre earlier this year.

New double yellow lines leading into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN New double yellow lines leading into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Concerns had been raised that the brightly-coloured paint used in Bury St Edmunds did not meet government requirements, although in June Suffolk Highways defended its choice of colour.

Now, with the issue again coming to light, the council-run body has stressed checks are under way and is hopeful the lines meet standards.

A spokesman for Suffolk Highways said: "Suffolk Highways are undertaking a large programme of work to refresh the yellow lines around the county. The appearance of the brightness and colour is mainly due to the fact they are new and noticeably stand out from the rest.

"We are currently confirming that the road marking paint meets with appropriate standards - based on all evidence provided so far by the road markings service provider, there is every indication that the colour used complies with the British standard."

David Lowe near the new double yellow lines leading into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN David Lowe near the new double yellow lines leading into Dedham Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

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