Strange new markings appearing on North Wales roads and what they mean
A new road safety initiative designed to make motorcycling safer has been introduced in Gwynedd, Denbighshire and Powys. Novel signs and road markings are being trailed at four sites to influence the riding behaviour of bikers taking left-hand bends.
The markings apply the principles of 'nudge theory' to help riders make better decisions when approaching bends. Grounded in the latest developments in applied psychology, they have already been used in Scotland with 'astounding' success.
Technically, they're called PRIMEs, which stands for 'Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment'. By deploying 'subtle and well-placed visual cues', they are intended to 'prime' motorcyclists to adapt their riding when approaching blind bends.
This first Welsh trial of PRIMEs have been hailed a 'major milestone' in adopting data-driven, low-cost safety improvements for vulnerable road users. If successful, the signs and markings could be expanded across the wider road network in Wales.
The Welsh Government, in partnership with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), is initially trialing PRIME signs and markings at four blackspot sites. These are:
A487 Pantperthog, south Gwynedd
A5 Coed Bwlch, Rhysgog, Llangollen, Denbighshire
A483 North of Llanbadarn Fynydd, Powys
A483 Glascoed Hall, south of Newtown, Powys
Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, said: '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.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
(Image: Welsh Government)
Evidence that the road markings work was demonstrated in western Scotland in what was believed to be the most in-depth investigation of biker behaviour anywhere in the world. Over three years, video footage of more than 32,000 biker journeys was manually analysed across 22 sites.
The research found PRIME markings brought about significant speed reductions and safer braking behaviour. Road positioning was also improved, both on the approach and at the apex of bends.
At the time, Scottish transport minister Fiona Hyslop called the results 'astounding'. PRIMES were seen as a low-cost road safety intervention with 'potentially global implications'.
In reality, all road markings are designed with safety in mind, from yellow zigzags outside schools to double white lines stopping overtaking. PRIMEs' success lay in targeting specific road users.
(Image: North Wales Police)
Pushing for their introduction in Wales were Powys Council and Dyfed-Powys Police. Last year there were 25 collisions in the county resulting in at least one biker being killed - an increase of 66% on 2023.
In March, the local authority passed a resolution calling on the Welsh Government to fund the PRIMES initiative. Councillors wanted the scheme supported to address a 'road safety crisis' in the county.
Similar concerns have been expressed in North Wales. In 2024, six bikers were killed on the region's roads. The stats for 2023 were even worse: eight bikers were killed and 81 seriously injured.
This summer North Wales Police is taking part in the national Op Apex campaign, which is designed to increase safety awareness among motorcyclists. In May, officers visited Cae Llan car park in Betws-y-Coed, a popular meeting spot for bikers.
Among them was temporary Inspector Jason Diamond, Op Apex lead in the region. He said: 'North Wales is a magnet for motorcyclists due to the beauty of the area. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
"As a keen biker myself, I know that I and my fellow motorcyclist colleagues not only understand the risks, we are passionate about how we can work together to reduce these statistics.'
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