In Odesa, the application of plastic road markings has been reduced tenfold

The amount of plastic road markings applied in Odesa has been drastically reduced. While 41.5 km of such markings were applied on the city’s streets in 2022, this figure stands at only 4 km so far in 2026.

This issue was discussed at a meeting of the Odessa City Council’s Standing Committee on Transportation and Road Infrastructure.

Andriy Sharashidze, a council member and member of the committee, asked why less and less plastic road marking is being applied each year. He noted that plastic lasts five years, while paint wears off very quickly.

In response, a representative from SMEP noted that he could not explain the situation in previous years, but that the agency is currently committed to applying markings using plastic.

SMEP explained that this year, paint was used for markings on French Boulevard, which has cobblestone pavement. It was also used in areas where repair work is underway.

According to Commission Chair Petro Obukhov, 41.5 km of plastic road markings were applied in the city in 2022, 19 km in 2023, 12 km in 2024, 8 km in 2025, and only 4 km this year. At the same time, the amount of paint used is increasing.

As an example, he cited the new stop line near Peremoha Park, which was painted on. According to him, it wore off in two months, and the old plastic marking is visible underneath. He also mentioned Artur Savilyev Street, where the plastic was applied at the end of 2021, and the markings are still intact.

Council members asked whether they would be able to complete more work by the end of the year. A representative from SMEP reported that supplies of materials, particularly plastic, had run out, so they are currently being procured. He said that funding is available, and the bidding process will take about a month. After that, the markings will be applied, weather permitting.

A council member noted that people are constantly talking about the weather, but in practice, nothing is being done. SMEP responded that road markings are not typically applied in winter. If the winter is warm and dry, the work can be carried out gradually, but the temperature must not fall below +5 degrees.

Ірина Глухова