Derbyshire becomes the first English county to introduce pioneering motorcyle safety markings

21 October 2026 6

Credit: Road Safety GB

Derbyshire has become the first county in England to introduce pioneering road markings and signs designed to help motorcyclists navigate bends more safely.

Derbyshire County Council is the first English highway authority to receive special authorisation from the Department for Transport to use the PRIME signs and road markings at approved locations across the county.

The first markings have been installed on the B6015 Woodhead Road at Devil’s Elbow, near Glossop, and the A6 between Buxton and Bakewell. Further approved locations across the county will follow as part of a phased programme.

PRIME stands for Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment. It uses specialist signs and a series of road markings, known as “gateways”, to provide visual guidance for motorcyclists approaching demanding bends.

The markings encourage riders to travel through the gaps between them, helping them choose an appropriate speed and road position before entering the bend and reducing the need to brake while negotiating it.

PRIME was developed and first applied on trunk roads in Scotland as part of a pioneering motorcycle safety research programme funded by the Road Safety Trust. The approach has since been introduced at four locations in North and Mid Wales. The Derbyshire programme is the first application of PRIME in an English county.

Councillor Charlotte Hill, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We are proud that Derbyshire is leading the way as the first county in England to introduce this innovative approach.

“Derbyshire’s roads are enjoyed by motorcyclists from across the region, and we want riders to be able to enjoy them safely.

“The late Professor Alex Stedmon played a central role in developing PRIME and demonstrating how it could positively influence rider behaviour. As a Derbyshire resident, it is particularly significant that his pioneering work is now being put into practice in the county he called home. This programme is part of the important legacy he leaves to road safety, and we are grateful for the academic work and expertise that made it possible.

“By working with Derbyshire Constabulary and National Highways, we are taking a practical, evidence-led approach to improving motorcycle safety across the county.”

Locations in Derbyshire were selected following analysis of motorcycle collision data from 2015 to 2024.

The county council looked for clusters of motorcycle collisions on rural roads, with additional consideration given to locations where bends or loss of control appeared to have been contributing factors.

The Derbyshire programme is being delivered through a partnership involving Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Constabulary and National Highways.

Temporary Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, who leads the National Police Chief’s Council’s motorcycle portfolio, said: “It is good to see Derbyshire leading the way, becoming the first county in England to install PRIME markings.

“As a biker myself I am committed to doing all we can to make sure that every rider who enjoys our scenic Derbyshire roads does so in the safest way possible and gets home to their loved ones after their ride.

“PRIME has been well received in Scotland and Wales, so it is positive to see it now coming to England and I am proud that Derbyshire is spearheading the roll out.

“It is an innovative safety system which will help keep motorcyclists safe and I’d encourage everyone who enjoys riding in our county to follow the markings when they see them.

“As part of our commitment to motorcycle safety, which has this year seen the launch of our Own Your Ride campaign, we will be undertaking evaluation at the sites using PRIME markings, alongside academic research to ensure their effectiveness.

“The markings will be rolled out on relevant roads across the county so there will be opportunities for riders to try them out for themselves in the coming months.”

Alongside the installation programme, Derbyshire Constabulary intends to use existing roadside camera equipment to observe rider behaviour before and after the markings are introduced at selected locations.

Ruth Purdie OBE, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “We are proud to have supported this hugely important development in motorcycle safety. The extensive study undertaken by our colleagues at Transport Scotland clearly demonstrated that PRIME markings work, saving lives and creating lasting behaviour change in riders.

“Such was the impact, they have been included in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, and it’s fantastic to now see England’s first installation of the markings. I look forward to seeing them have an equally positive impact on rider safety in Derbyshire.”

The observations will examine factors including riders’ speed and road position and will help assess how the markings affect rider behaviour in Derbyshire and whether the positive findings from Scotland can be replicated on Derbyshire’s roads.

The initial installations will allow the project partners to learn from the process before work progresses at the remaining locations covered by the Department for Transport authorisation.

The rollout will include approved locations on: