I find it awesome that a simple invention like this has saved so many lives. The concept of a reflective road stud being used to help guide drivers at night was invented by Percy Shaw in 1934 - and even though it's design has been improved on over the years, essentially it the same device.
6 thoughts on “Cat’s eyes on the road”
Alec
Hey Paul, great pic. FYI in some parts of Europe and I’m sure the states, they make use of self cleaning cats eyes. The “eye” is encased in a rubber housing that gets depressed whenever a tyre drives over it. This action rubs it against the rubber and keeps it squeaky clean… http://www.highwaymarkings.ie/halifax_cats_eye.htm
Alec
Hey Paul, great pic. FYI in some parts of Europe and I’m sure the states, they make use of self cleaning cats eyes. The “eye” is encased in a rubber housing that gets depressed whenever a tyre drives over it. This action rubs it against the rubber and keeps it squeaky clean…
http://www.highwaymarkings.ie/halifax_cats_eye.htm
gerald
ah good old percy from bradford – love the perspective on this shot.
Paul
Post authorThanks Alec – never knew that. Quite a clever idea actually!
Thanks Gerald, glad you like it! :)
Chris M
Rad photograph, I was was this weekend, travelled up to Tulbach and saw many cats eyes, so this is very fitting :)
Paul
Post authorThanks Chris – and yes, it’s crazy how many one sees on the open road. :P
Chris M
My favourite is going on a fairly long drive late at night when the roads are wide open and all you see it the eyes for miles and miles :)