Britain’s roads have suddenly developed strange white squares that disappear within weeks; National Grid reveals what they are really for

White squares painted on roads in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk left some people puzzled, as reported by the Battenberg-like markings at Raydon, Gislingham, Ingatestone, Margaretting and near Norwich. The mystery has been solved. National Grid has confirmed that they are linked to mobile mapping surveys for its Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme. A spokesperson said the paint is biodegradable and disappears in a couple of weeks, and that the markings show reference points for the surveys. The surveys are completed in a car, with roof-mounted equipment collecting spatial data about the surrounding environment.Why are strange white squares suddenly appearing on Britain’s roadsAccording to the BBC, sets of unusual road markings appeared on roads in towns and villages across the region. People began asking questions that week, after being baffled by white squares suddenly painted on roads in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.The places where the Battenberg-like symbols were reported. In Suffolk, they were seen at Raydon, near Hadleigh, and at Gislingham, near Eye. In Essex, they were reported at Ingatestone, near Brentwood, and Margaretting, near Chelmsford, and then near Norwich. A photograph published with the article shows two white squares painted on a road, with the number "112_14" beneath them.Why has National Grid painted strange white squares on Britain’s roadsNational Grid confirmed that the markings are related to mobile mapping surveys. The BBC reported that the surveys are being carried out to collect data as part of the Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme.A National Grid spokesperson on the paint and the purpose of the markings. The paint is biodegradable and disappears within a couple of weeks. The spokesperson said the markings indicate reference points so that the mobile mapping surveys can be completed. The National Grid spokesperson said that the surveys are non-intrusive. The surveys are completed in a car, so the work takes place from a vehicle on the road.The spokesperson also said that spatial data is collected about the surrounding environment. The data is gathered using roof-mounted equipment fitted to the vehicle. The road markings serve as the reference points for this work.What is the Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme and why is it controversialNational Grid wants to build an electricity network through Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, running from Norwich to Tilbury. The BBC reported that the project could see a 114-mile (about 185km) network of pylons and cables installed between Norfolk and Essex. The purpose of the network is to carry offshore-generated electricity across the region.The scheme is controversial; some campaigners argue that it should be scrapped and that alternatives to pylons should be considered. Project manager Simon Pepper had previously described it as a "critical national priority project". He said that without the pylons, there would be no energy available to support economic growth, businesses, and homes.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.