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South Wales Argus
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government scheme targets motorcyclist road safety
The Welsh Government has introduced the PRIMEs (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) initiative in North and Mid Wales. 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.
Wales Online
11-08-2025
- 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
11-08-2025
- 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."
North Wales Live
11-08-2025
- 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.
