Beach side roads!

[Louis]

Does anyone know why a lot of roads around the coast/beachs are red?

[spudqueen]

On a map or the colour of the tarmac?

[dzug]

I think there is a psychological theory that red tarmac causes drivers to go a bit slower - always a good idea on the coast with people off the beach wandering across the road and other drivers gazing at the scenery - human and natural,,,,,

[Louis]

The colour of the tarmac!

[spudqueen]

Never seen any red tarmac on any roads (other than hard shoulders) and I live fairly near the coast in the North West and lived very near the coast in Devon.

[Louis]

I was born in the North West and Lived there till I was about 23, the roads around the coast there do have red tarmac - or red roads at least. Over by formby and Southport. The Roads around the coast in Wales are also red. I know this as the road outside of my house are red and it's the beach road! :)

[spk]

I may be wrong, but I think it has something to do with the iron content and the salt sea air bringing out the colour in the gravel

[Primular]

Its so that the road stands out more when covered in sand

[Louis]

Cheers...I had a feeling that maybe it was to do with them being covered in sand or them being covered in water and still visable! :)

Thanks!