Kenngineering Notes: Black Audio Tactile Line Markings
Feb 23, 2026
I’m in the passenger seat on the way home from Port Fairy, just marvelling at the black Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM) offset from the edgeline.
Why is it done like that?
Maintenance.
If ATLM is placed on or right next to the edgeline, it gets struck frequently and wears down quickly. More tyre hits. Faster deterioration. More replacement.
Offset it slightly and you reduce the strikes. Fewer strikes means less maintenance. Less maintenance means the safety benefit lasts longer.
And it has to be black. A second white line would just create confusion.
Of course, you need the shoulder width to make it work.
Small design move. Smart thinking.
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I’m in the passenger seat on the way home from Port Fairy, just marvelling at the black Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM) offset from the edgeline.
Why is it done like that?
Maintenance.
If ATLM is placed on or right next to the edgeline, it gets struck frequently and wears down quickly. More tyre hits. Faster deterioration. More replacement.
Offset it slightly and you reduce the strikes.
Fewer strikes means less maintenance.
Less maintenance means the safety benefit lasts longer.
And it has to be black. A second white line would just create confusion.
Of course, you need the shoulder width to make it work.
Small design move.
Smart thinking.
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