Innovative road safety trial for motorcyclists begins in North and Mid Wales
A pioneering road safety initiative to make motorcycling safer has been introduced in North and Mid Wales.
The PRIMEs (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) use subtle road markings and signage to help motorcyclists make safer decisions when approaching and negotiating bends.
Following a trial in Scotland, where over 32,000 motorcycle journeys were analysed at 22 sites, the Welsh Government, working with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, has introduced PRIME markings at four locations:
• A487 Pantperthog, Gwynedd
• A5 Coed Bwlch, Rhysgog, Llangollen
• A483 north of Llanbadarn Fynydd
• A483 Glascoed Hall, south of Newtown
Evidence from the Scottish trial showed PRIME markings can lead to significant reductions in speed, improved positioning through bends, and safer braking.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said:
“We are delighted to be trialling this new road safety initiative for the first time in Wales.
“Evidence shows that motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users, especially on roads with sharp bends. PRIME is an effective way to help reduce risks and support riders to make safer choices on the road, so it was right thing to do.”
The scheme is supported by North Wales Police and Dyfed-Powys Police, who have long worked to reduce motorcycle collisions.
Inspector of Specialist Operations at Dyfed-Powys Police, Dawn Fencott-Price said:
“We welcome the trial of this innovative initiative to improve motorcyclist safety on our roads. During 2024 there were twenty-five collisions resulting in one or more people killed – an increase of 66% on 2023.
“This is a low-cost intervention which has been proven to significantly improve road safety for riders when used in the right road conditions. One death on our roads is one too many – and reducing the number of motorcyclists who are killed or seriously injured on our roads is our priority.”
If the trial is successful, PRIME markings could be rolled out more widely across Wales.
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