Little-known road act leaves Aussie woman gobsmacked: 'Mind is blown'

They say you live and you learn but no one has been quite as enthusiastically gobsmacked as one young Aussie who recently learned how markings are painted onto roads.

Alice James, a Melbourne-based small business owner, was working in her Hawthorn shop when she heard a loud noise outside. She was stunned to discover a tradie in hi-vis painting new car parking lines onto the street outside using a little-known technique.

Sharing a video of her excitement, James explains that her mind was "blown" after looking outside to see that instead of simply painting the lines onto the road, the worker uses a technique known as thermoplastic line marking, which is a type of plastic that is effectively melted onto the road, using a gas canister to melt the plastic onto the road before setting quickly.

According to business Avante Line Marking, the non-hazardous line sets quickly, meaning that traffic can drive over it after just three minutes. James, who runs Rack It Up, told Yahoo News she couldn't believe how quickly the work was carried out.

"I looked outside as it was so noisy," she told Yahoo. "The gas bottle thing with the heat was very loud.

"I had customers in the shop and we were all looking and couldn’t believe our eyes! So I ran out to film."

Woman 'blown away' by council's preferred technique

Taking to social media, she told her followers how she was blown away by what she saw. “They say you learn something new every day and I have definitely just learned something new," she started.

"You know the markings on the road for car parks? I have always just assumed that’s spray paint and stencil. Let me show you it’s not.

She pans her camera around to show a man in hi-vis holding a hose attached to a gas canister as he heats the white markings into place.

"It’s a sticker and they use heat from a gas bottle to stick it to the road," she said, adding that her "mind is blown".

It's understood the temperature to melt the plastic on the road gets to over 200 degrees Celsius.

“It is commonly used on freeway networks across Australia. Many local councils across the country also use thermoplastic due to its extended lifespan," Avante said.

Boroondara Council, responsible for the line markings in the video, was approached by Yahoo for comment on the practice.

• Aussie council defends using Tesla to issue drivers ticketless fines amid 'sickening' issue

• Locals rejoice as Aussie council finally backs down over 'useless' road feature

• The common road act Aussie drivers don't realise can attract a $2,200 fine

Aussies stunned by little-known road practice

It appears that James isn't the only one astounded by the road practice, with dozens reacting with surprise.

"Nooo they do not," commented one Aussie.

"I’ve only ever seen them being painted," said another.

"I legit saw someone doing this today too, I was so confused when I saw the gas bottle," added another.

Do you have a story about something you've seen on the road? We'd love to hear about it! Email courtney.greatrex@yahooinc.com.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.