Welsh Government scheme targets motorcyclist road safety
The scheme uses targeted road markings to help riders make safer decisions, particularly on bends, by providing subtle visual cues to improve speed control, road positioning, and braking.
Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, 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 the right thing to do."
The markings have been installed at four locations: the A487 at Pantperthog in Gwynedd, the A5 at Coed Bwlch in Llangollen, the A483 north of Llanbadarn Fynydd, and the A483 at Glascoed Hall, south of Newtown.
The scheme follows a successful Scottish pilot, where more than 32,000 motorcyclist journeys were analysed across 22 sites.
The trial showed that PRIME markings led to improved rider behaviour, including better road positioning and reduced speeds.
The initiative has been welcomed by police forces, who continue to prioritise reducing motorcycle-related collisions.
Dawn Fencott-Price, inspector of specialist operations at Dyfed-Powys Police, said: "We welcome the trial of this innovative initiative to improve motorcyclist safety on our roads.
"During 2024 there were 25 collisions resulting in one or more people killed – an increase of 66 per cent 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."
The PRIMEs scheme represents the first use of this approach in Wales.
If the trial proves successful, the markings could be introduced across the wider Welsh road network.
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