New motorcycling road signs to be used in Wales
PRIMEs are road markings and signs that aim to help motorcyclists make safer decisions when approaching and negotiating bends in roads.
The Welsh Government has confirmed PRIMEs or Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment, will be rolled out across North and Mid Wales.
PRIMEs are road markings and signs that aim to help motorcyclists make safer decisions when approaching and negotiating bends in roads.
Following a trial in Scotland, which saw over 32,000 motorcyclist journeys analysed, PRIME markings will be used at four sites in North and Mid Wales.
Sites for PRIME markings:
- A487 Pantperthog, Gwynedd
- A5 Coed Bwlch, Rhysgog, Llangollen
- A483 north of Llanbadarn Fynydd
- A483 Glascoed Hall, south of Newtown
The Welsh Government says:
"Evidence shows that PRIMEs, which use subtle and well-placed visual cues, have a measurable and positive impact on rider behaviour, including: significant reductions in speed, improved road positioning on approach and at the apex of bends and safer braking behaviour."
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates 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 right thing to do.”
"One death on our roads is one too many"
Inspector of Specialist Operations at Dyfed-Powys Police Dawn Fencott-Price said:
"We welcome the trial of this innovative initiative to improve motorcyclist safety on our roads.
"During 2024 there were twenty-five collisions resulting in one or more people killed - an increase of 66% 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."
If successful, PRIME markings could be expanded across the wider Welsh road network.