Mystery over strange squares on our roads is solved

The mystery of why sets of peculiar road markings have appeared on roads in towns and villages across the region has been solved.

People started asking questions this week after being baffled by the sudden emergence of white squares painted on roads in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The intriguing symbols, in a Battenberg-like pattern, were reported in Suffolk at Raydon, near Hadleigh, and Gislingham, near Eye; in Essex at Ingatestone, near Brentwood, and Margaretting, near Chelmsford; and near Norwich.

National Grid has confirmed they are related to mobile mapping surveys being carried out to collect data as part of its Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme.

"The road markings, made using biodegradable paint which disappears in a couple of weeks, indicate reference points for the mobile mapping surveys to be completed," a spokesperson said.

"These surveys are non-intrusive and completed in a car. Spatial data is collected about the surrounding environment with roof-mounted equipment."

National Grid wants to build the electricity network through Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, running from Norwich to Tilbury.

The project could see a 114-mile (about 185km) network of pylons and cables installed between Norfolk and Essex to carry offshore-generated electricity across the region.

The scheme has proved controversial, with some campaigners arguing it should be scrapped and alternatives to pylons be considered.

Project manager Simon Pepper, however, previously said it was a "critical national priority project", and if the pylons were not built it would mean "there wouldn't be energy available to support economic growth and business and homes".

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