Can new road markings cut Powys motorbike tragedies?

Plans by the Welsh Government to trial new road markings on a major road in Powys to reduce accidents involving motorcyclist has been welcomed by the county council.

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 has welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to trial the road markings at two sites following a formal request from the council earlier this year.

The trials will take place on the A483 at Glascoed Hall, south of Newtown, and Lower Crochan Farm, north of Llanbadarn Fynydd.

The announcement comes in response to the council’s resolution in March, which called 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.

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.”

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.

PRIMES has been successfully introduced on highland roads in Scotland. More information about PRIMES can be found at New road markings transform behaviour of motorcyclists on bends | Transport Scotland

Over the past decade, more than 100 people have died on Powys roads, with many more suffering life-altering injuries. The council continues to work with partners to promote education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements to make roads safer for everyone.