Mysterious small white circles on UK roads?

[alex1047]

What are the two small (tennis-ball sized) white circles painted in the middle of UK roads? They're a lot smaller than the bigger circles and squares used for speed traps. They're often found at road junctions on major roads. Look closely when you're next driving and you'll see them.

[andy hughes]

If they occur at junctions, they are probably indications of ruts or pits indicating wear and tear in the road that requires repair. It's for easy identification for the repair gangs to ensure they attend to the repairs that are needed, and leave any that can stand a bit more pounding before needing attention.

[sddsddean]

They are called node points and are used to identify sections of road for highway maintenence purposes. They can be circular, square, rectangular or metal studs (like those at pedestrian crossings). Whatever anyone else may say, they are not used by the police as distance markers to help catch you speeding on their in car videos.

[alex1047]

Thanks for the replies guys. It's been bugging me for years! Cheers.