Pioneering road safety initiative aims to make motorcycling safer in north Wales
A pioneering new road safety initiative that is designed to make motorcycling safer has been launched across North and Mid Wales.
PRIMEs (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) are innovative road markings and signage that aim to help motorcyclists make safer decisions when approaching and negotiating bends in roads.
It follows a highly successful trial in Scotland — where over 32,000 motorcyclist journeys were analysed across 22 sites — the Welsh Government, in partnership with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), North Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police, has rolled out PRIME markings at four key sites in North and Mid Wales. These are:
- A5 Coed Bwlch, Rhysgog, Llangollen.
- A487 Pantperthog, Gwynedd
- A483 North of Llanbadarn Fynydd
- A483 Glascoed Hall, South of Newtown.
Evidence shows that PRIMEs, which use subtle and well-placed visual cues, have a measurable and positive impact on rider behaviour, including:
- Significant reductions in speed
- Improved road positioning on approach and at the apex of bends
- Safer braking behaviour
Superintendent Simon Barrasford said: “North Wales Police is proud to be one of the first forces in Wales to be part of this potentially life-saving project which has already been trialled successfully in Scotland.
“Sadly, motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable group of road users, and they are at higher risk of injury and collision than other road users. Although a motorcyclist may not be at fault, their vulnerability invariably means that they suffer more serious injuries in a collision.
“Our campaign to reduce the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads is ongoing. Op Apex is aimed at promoting rider safety and sees high visibility patrols being carried out along key routes which have been identified as risk areas.
“We very much hope that the PRIME markings will have a significant positive effect on rider behaviour.”
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.”
This first Welsh trial marks a major milestone in adopting data-driven, cost-effective safety improvements for vulnerable road users. If successful, PRIME markings could be expanded across the wider Welsh road network.
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