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Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Powys County Times
New road safety scheme introduced on roads in Mid Wales
A new road safety scheme is targeting sharp bends to help protect motorcyclists in Mid Wales. The PRIME (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) scheme uses innovative road markings and signage to support safer riding decisions on curved roads. The markings have now been introduced at four locations in North and Mid Wales, including Newtown. 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 trial follows a successful pilot in Scotland, where more than 32,000 motorcyclist journeys were studied across 22 sites. In Wales, PRIME markings have been installed at A487 Pantperthog in Gwynedd, A5 Coed Bwlch in Rhysgog near Llangollen, A483 north of Llanbadarn Fynydd, and A483 Glascoed Hall south of Newtown. The Welsh Government has partnered with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) to deliver the project. PRIME markings use visual cues to encourage safer rider behaviour, including lower speeds, improved road positioning, and better braking. The scheme is supported by North Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police, who have focused on reducing motorcycle 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. "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."
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Chronicle
New road safety scheme introduced on roads in North Wales
The PRIME (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) scheme uses innovative road markings and signage to support safer riding decisions on curved roads. The markings have now been introduced at four locations in North and Mid Wales. 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 trial follows a successful pilot in Scotland, where more than 32,000 motorcyclist journeys were studied across 22 sites. In Wales, PRIME markings have been installed at A487 Pantperthog in Gwynedd, A5 Coed Bwlch in Rhysgog near Llangollen, A483 north of Llanbadarn Fynydd, and A483 Glascoed Hall south of Newtown. The Welsh Government has partnered with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) to deliver the project. PRIME markings use visual cues to encourage safer rider behaviour, including lower speeds, improved road positioning, and better braking. The scheme is supported by North Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police, who have focused on reducing motorcycle 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. "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 successful, the PRIME scheme could be rolled out more widely across Wales.
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Leader Live
New road safety scheme introduced on roads in North Wales
The PRIME (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) scheme uses innovative road markings and signage to support safer riding decisions on curved roads. The markings have now been introduced at four locations in North and Mid Wales. 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 trial follows a successful pilot in Scotland, where more than 32,000 motorcyclist journeys were studied across 22 sites. In Wales, PRIME markings have been installed at A487 Pantperthog in Gwynedd, A5 Coed Bwlch in Rhysgog near Llangollen, A483 north of Llanbadarn Fynydd, and A483 Glascoed Hall south of Newtown. The Welsh Government has partnered with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) to deliver the project. PRIME markings use visual cues to encourage safer rider behaviour, including lower speeds, improved road positioning, and better braking. The scheme is supported by North Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police, who have focused on reducing motorcycle 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. "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 successful, the PRIME scheme could be rolled out more widely across Wales.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Strange new markings appearing on North Wales roads and what they mean
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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.' Find out what's happening on the roads near you
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Strange new road signs are appearing on Welsh roads
Strange new road signs are appearing on Welsh roads The new signs and road markings have been introduced in a bid to make the roads safer The road markings are designed to encourage bikers to position themselves correctly and slow down before left-hand-bends (Image: Welsh Government) A fresh road safety scheme aimed at enhancing motorcyclist safety has been launched in three areas of Wales. Innovative signs and road markings are being tested at four locations to positively affect the riding behaviour of motorcyclists navigating left-hand bends. The new markings employ "nudge theory" principles to assist riders in making safer choices when approaching bends. Drawing on cutting-edge applied psychology, these techniques have already seen "astounding" results in Scotland. Officially termed PRIMEs, an acronym for "Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment", these measures use "subtle and well-placed visual cues" to encourage bikers to adjust their approach to blind bends. They are being introduced in Gwynedd, Denbighshire, and Powys. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The inaugural trial of PRIMEs in Wales is being celebrated as a "major milestone" in the pursuit of data-informed, cost-effective safety enhancements for those most at risk on the roads. Should the trial prove effective, there's potential for a broader rollout of these signs and markings throughout the Welsh road network. The new PRIME signs are rooted in psychological theory (Image: Welsh Government) The Welsh Government and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) are collaborating on this initial test of PRIME signs and markings at four notorious accident sites, reports North Wales Live. 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." Proof that the road markings are effective was shown in western Scotland through what was considered the most comprehensive study of motorcyclist behaviour globally. Across three years, video recordings of over 32,000 biker trips were manually examined at 22 locations. The study revealed that PRIME markings led to substantial speed reductions and improved braking practices. Positioning on the road was also enhanced, both when approaching and navigating the peak of curves. At the time, Scottish transport minister Fiona Hyslop described the findings as "astounding". PRIMEs were regarded as a cost-effective road safety measure with "potentially global implications". In truth, all road markings are created with safety as the priority, from yellow zigzags near schools to double white lines preventing overtaking. PRIMEs' effectiveness stemmed from focusing on particular road users. Advocating for their rollout in Wales were Powys Council and Dyfed-Powys Police. Last year witnessed 25 crashes in the county that resulted in at least one motorcyclist fatality - a rise of 66% compared to 2023. In May, North Wales Police oversaw a biker safety awareness event at Cae Llan car park in Betws-y-Coed, Conwy (Image: North Wales Police) In March, the local authority approved a motion urging the Welsh Government to provide funding for the PRIMES initiative. Councillors sought backing for the programme to tackle a "road safety crisis" across the county. Comparable worries have been voiced throughout North Wales. During 2024, six motorcyclists lost their lives on the region's roads. The figures for 2023 painted an even grimmer picture: eight bikers died and 81 sustained serious injuries. This summer, North Wales Police is participating in the nationwide Op Apex campaign, aimed at boosting safety awareness amongst motorcyclists. In May, officers visited Cae Llan car park in Betws-y-Coed, a favoured gathering place for bikers. Amongst those present was temporary Inspector Jason Diamond, the regional Op Apex coordinator. He commented: "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". Article continues below "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."
