When researchers address photoluminescence, it is often in relation to natural occurrences such as bioluminescent waves or potentially groundbreaking innovations like glow-in-the-dark wood. Bright coloring is seldom regarded as a public safety enhancement for roadways. Nevertheless, in 2023, Malaysia aimed to change that by applying photoluminescent paint to a section of rural road. This modern painting initiative provided essential street lighting to a nation in urgent need of improved road safety infrastructure, where accidents happen approximately every 50 seconds, and fatalities occur every two hours.
Although the luminescent paint received enthusiastic feedback initially, it soon faced practicality issues, with political figures noting cost and durability challenges that rendered broader project expansion unreasonable. Just over a year post-implementation, Malaysian officials have postponed plans for further expansion of the initiative. Malaysia is just one of several nations exploring photoluminescent paint to enhance road safety. Nearly ten years prior, the Netherlands implemented glow-in-the-dark paint along about 100 kilometers of road outside Amsterdam but discovered that rainfall resulted in unpredictable light output.
In more recent times, trials in Australia and Ireland have aimed to evaluate the viability of similar road markings. These initiatives are designed to find a more sustainable, energy-efficient alternative to standard street lighting, especially in rural areas lacking robust electricity infrastructure. Malaysia’s recent trial serves as both a model and a cautionary tale for those interested in adopting such technologies, providing insight into the challenges governments encounter as they pursue innovative infrastructure enhancements.
The setback of Malaysia’s luminous roadway initiative
Malaysia’s attempt to utilize photoluminescent paint instead of conventional streetlights for enhanced visibility had multiple benefits. For one, the paint performed admirably in both rainy and foggy scenarios, maintaining luminescence for up to 10 hours regardless of weather conditions. Glow-in-the-dark paint has also been viewed as an environmentally friendly solution that does not necessitate intricate electrical systems. Increasing roadway visibility is a critical aspect of the nation’s goal to improve the safety of its roads, and the project was perceived as a novel approach to illuminating rural areas plagued by frequent power outages.
Initially, Malaysia limited its new road markings to certain sections within the rural Selangor and Johor areas, with planners anticipating a broader application throughout the region. However, cost emerged as a key obstacle, as the photoluminescent paint was approximately 20 times more expensive than standard white lines. Additionally, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research expressed concerns regarding the paint’s longevity in the country’s humid environment. Such findings echoed those of the International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, which suggested that photoluminescent paint would require reapplication as often as every 18 months in tropical climates. Ultimately, these financial and durability apprehensions led to the project’s downfall.
A promising outlook for photoluminescent paint?
In spite of Malaysia’s unsuccessful road trial, various countries and businesses are still experimenting with the technology, yielding mixed outcomes. The Netherlands introduced photoluminescent paint as early as 2014. Unfortunately, the paint deteriorated when exposed to rain, resulting in a temporary halt of the program. Despite this setback, numerous European firms have persisted in advancing the technology.
Indeed, the French company responsible for Malaysia’s glowing road ventures, LuminoKrom, has applied its luminescent paint to bike paths, bridges, roads, and industrial areas worldwide, including in France, Colombia, Japan, and India. Irish manufacturer Luminousflux is another prominent entity aiming to broaden the use of this technology in Europe, with tests ongoing in Sligo, Ireland. Photoluminescent paint is also making headway in Australia, where the government of New South Wales commenced a six-month trial of glow-in-the-dark roads on a hazardous hairpin curve, located south of Sydney.
Local officials reported 125 near-miss incidents on the curve during the first half of 2024 alone. According to the Australian government, the Glow Road technology employed in the trial has been thoroughly tested to ensure it will endure Australia’s specific climate conditions. The trial is projected to last for six months, after which the New South Wales government will determine whether to broaden its application throughout the region.
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