Updated toolkit supports authorities seeking safety improvement

An update to the Project Prime – Perceptual Rider Information for Maximisation of Enjoyment and Expertise – toolkit has been published to assist local authorities and road safety practitioners in introducing PRIME road markings. following the completion of the second phase of the project.

The road markings are implemented to encourage motorcyclists to make safer decisions when approaching road bends. Three pairs of truncated chevrons, acting as ‘gateways’, encourage riders to adjust their speed, road position, braking and to travel through the ‘gap’.

The original toolkit was published following phase one (2022). The latest version, published by Transport Scotland in July 2026, incorporates findings from phase two, which ran from 2023 to 2025.

Phase two extended the trials to 35 sites on Scotland’s trunk road network, with researchers recording 47,770 motorcycle movements. 23 of the sites recorded a significant drop in speeds, while positive changes in rider positioning we recorded at 29 sites in the final ‘PRIME’ gateway, and 27 sites saw those changes in the apex of the bend.  Reductions in braking were also recorded at 18 sites.

The research also provided evidence of longer-term changes in rider behaviour, including ‘carry over’ effects beyond the immediate PRIME treatment site.

The updated toolkit brings together learning from both phases and is designed to help road authorities assess whether PRIME could be suitable for their own networks.

It provides guidance on site selection, design, installation and evaluation, including the use of collision and near-miss data and input from experienced motorcyclists.

The markings have already attracted interest outside Scotland, with installations in Wales and a proposed trial by National Highways in England. Six Scottish local authorities are also considering introducing PRIME.