The signs use digital and thermal camera technology, supported by artificial intelligence software, to identify speed
Artificial intelligence camera equipment is being rolled out in Swansea as part of a new road safety project(Image: Swansea Council)
Artificial intelligence camera equipment is being rolled out in Swansea as part of a new road safety project. Swansea council is installing 20 new rider feedback signs at key traffic locations where collision data, road layout and rider behaviour suggest motorcyclists may be at greater risk.
Sites include Carmarthen Road (Waun Wen), A483 Fforestfach (Pontarddulais Road), the B4560 Swansea Road (Llewitha) and Gorseinon Road (Penllergaer).
The signs use digital and thermal camera technology, supported by artificial intelligence software, to identify approaching motorcycles and display the rider’s speed in their natural line of sight.
If a motorcyclist is travelling within the speed limit, the sign displays the speed in green. If the rider is travelling above the limit, the display changes to red and is supported by bilingual ‘SLOW / ARAF’ messaging and amber flashing lights.
The technology is designed to encourage riders to make safer choices without taking their attention away from the road ahead. The roll-out of the project, supported by the Welsh Government, follows a successful trial at Carmarthen Road, Cwmdu, a location where two motorcycle fatalities have been recorded over the last 15 years.
The prototype was tested in real-world conditions with support from South Wales Police’s BikeSafe team and the council’s road safety and traffic teams. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
Swansea council’s annual review of police collision data showed motorcycles were involved in nearly 16% of road collisions in Swansea in 2024.
That is higher than the Welsh national average of 12%, with 484 motorcycle casualties recorded out of 4,005 road casualties across Wales.
The new signs will be installed during 2026 at locations selected because of factors including historic motorcycle collision records, higher average speeds, popular rider routes and stretches of road where open layouts and forward visibility can encourage increased speeds.
Swansea council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, councillor Andrew Stevens, said: “Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and we want to do all we can to reduce the risk of serious collisions on Swansea’s roads.
“This new technology gives riders a clear, real-time reminder of their speed at locations where our road safety data tells us extra support is needed.
“It is not about enforcement; it is about using innovation to help riders make safer decisions and reduce the chance of a collision. The project also shows how partnership working between the council, South Wales Police, BikeSafe, Welsh Government and our supplier SWARCO can bring forward practical solutions that support safer roads for everyone.”
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