Motorcycle Safety Scheme Delivers Lasting Results as Collision Rates Fall Across Scotland

A pioneering road safety programme aimed at protecting motorcyclists has been credited with significantly reducing crashes and serious injuries across Scotland's trunk road network.

New findings published by The Road Safety Trust show that Project PRIME continues to influence rider behaviour years after installation, with evidence suggesting the initiative is helping to prevent collisions at some of the country's most challenging bends.

Developed by Transport Scotland, the project uses specially designed road markings and roadside signs positioned ahead of bends to encourage riders to approach corners more safely. The visual cues are intended to improve road positioning, reduce unnecessary braking and help riders adjust their speed before entering a bend.

Initially launched between 2020 and 2022, the first phase of the programme saw the measures introduced at 22 locations across Scotland's strategic road network. The initiative attracted national recognition, securing the prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in 2023 and leading to the development of guidance for other highway authorities looking to adopt the approach.

Following further support from The Road Safety Trust, the scheme was expanded between 2023 and 2025, increasing the number of monitored locations to 35. Researchers assessed more than 47,000 motorcycle movements during the extended trial, providing one of the most comprehensive studies of rider behaviour ever undertaken in the UK.

The latest analysis found that riders continued to demonstrate improved positioning through bends, with behaviour changes still evident two, three and even five years after the markings were installed.

More importantly, the behavioural improvements appear to be translating into meaningful safety benefits on the road.

Across the trial sites, motorcycle injury collisions have fallen by 61 per cent on average, while crashes resulting in death or serious injury have reduced by 46 per cent.

The success of the programme is now attracting attention beyond Scotland. Several Scottish local authorities are examining whether to introduce the markings on their own road networks, while pilot schemes have already been installed at locations in Wales.

Interest is also growing south of the border, with National Highways seeking approval from the Department for Transport to test the concept on roads in England. The project has also been referenced within the Government's latest Road Safety Strategy.

Ruth Purdie OBE, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust, described the results as evidence that relatively simple interventions can have a major impact on rider safety.

She said the markings are helping riders make better decisions when approaching bends and reducing the risk of incidents that continue to account for a significant proportion of motorcycle casualties on UK roads.

With motorcycle riders remaining disproportionately represented in serious road casualty statistics, supporters of the scheme believe wider adoption could play an important role in improving safety outcomes nationwide.