The Welsh Government is to trial new road markings in an attempt to reduce serious crashes involving motorcyclists on rural roads across Powys.
The markings, called Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment – or PRIMEs – are designed to help riders make better decisions when approaching bends.
They were developed by Transport Scotland, working with BEAR Scotland and Professor Alex Stedmon, thanks to funding from The Road Safety Trust.
The PRIME markings have already been hailed as a major success in Scotland where supporters say they have transformed motorcycle safety in Scotland, leading to dramatic improvements in rider behaviour and greater safety, particularly on left-hand bends.
PRIMEs road markings are a series of three truncated chevrons positioned on the approach to a bend. They are designed to help motorcyclists adjust their speed and position when approaching corners, particularly left-hand bends. They aim to act as a visual cue for riders and encourage them to "ride through the gap" created by the chevrons, promoting better anticipation and control.
PRIMEs utilise ‘nudge psychology’ to subtly influence rider behaviour through environmental design rather than enforcement or direct instructions.
Trials in Scotland have seen marked improvements in road safety where PRIMEs are used, thanks to a reduction in speed, improved road positioning, and better braking behaviour among motorcyclists
Powys County Council said its first batch of PRIMEs would be used on the A483 at Glascoed Hall, south of Newtown, and the Lower Crochan Farm, north of Llanbadarn Fynydd.
Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for legal and regulatory services, said:
"This is a vital step forward in tackling the unacceptable number of serious crashes 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."
Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a greener Powys, added:
"We've seen far too many lives lost or changed forever through 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."
