Latest news with #PRIMES
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
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: 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 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. 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.'
Powys County Times
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Powys County Times
New road markings for motorbikes on A483 near Newtown
New road markings will be trialled along a major Powys road to tackle the "unacceptable" number of serious collisions involving motorcyclists. The markings, called Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment (PRIMEs), are designed to help riders make better decisions when approaching bends. Powys County Council 's request for the road markings between Newtown and Llandrindod Wells have been given the go-ahead by the Welsh Government. The trials will take place along the A483 at Glascoed Hall, between Newtown and Dolfor, and Lower Crochan Farm which is located north of Llanbadarn Fynydd. Lower Crochan Farm along the A483 north of Llanbadarn Fynydd (Image: John Firth/ The announcement follows the council's call on the Welsh Government to support and fund the PRIMES initiative as part of a broader strategy to address what has been described as a 'road safety crisis' in the county. Over the past decade, more than 100 people have died on Powys roads, with many more suffering life-altering injuries. Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for Legal and Regulatory Services, said: 'This is a vital step forward in tackling the unacceptable number of serious accidents on our roads. "The PRIMES initiative is an innovative approach that we hope will make a real difference in protecting motorcyclists and all road users in Powys.' 'Far too many lives lost' Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, added: 'We've seen far too many lives lost or changed forever due to road traffic collisions and a large proportion of these involve motorcyclists. "These trials are part of our commitment to safer, more sustainable travel in Powys. We're pleased the Welsh Government listened to our concerns and acted on them.' The PRIMES trial is one of several recommendations made by the Powys Strategic Road Safety Group in a report sent to the Minister in 2024, which includes representatives from Powys County Council, Dyfed-Powys Police, the Welsh Government, and the Police and Crime Commissioner. The group was established to identify urgent actions to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Powys roads.
