The latest changes to the Highway Code came into force on 29th January 2022 with a new hierarchy of road users, eight new rules and 49 updates to existing rules. This blog provides as summary of the main updates.
The new hierarchy of road users prioritises vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. However, the latest updates to the Highway Code does not remove the need for all road users to act responsibly. The hierarchy of road users is split into three rules:
H1 new hierarchy of road users:
This rule places responsibility on drivers of vehicles to protect vulnerable road users. It should be noted that cyclists and horse riders also have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.
H2 new priority at junctions for pedestrians:
This rule is aimed at all vehicle drivers, including cyclists and horse riders. Vehicles now need to give way to pedestrians that are either crossing or waiting to cross the road in which the vehicle is either turning into or out of.
Vehicles must now give way to pedestrians waiting at zebra crossings – previously vehicles only had to give way if pedestrians were already on the zebra crossing. Vehicle also must give way to pedestrians and cyclists waiting at parallel crossings.
H3 new priority for cyclists when cars are turning:
This rule is aimed at all motorised vehicles. When turning into or out of a junction or changing directions or lanes, drivers should not cut across cyclist, horse riders, or horse-drawn vehicles. Vehicles should not turn at junctions if the manoeuvre would make a cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle that is travelling straight ahead, stop or swerve. This rule also applies to cycle lanes, cycle tracks or riding ahead.
Additional noteworthy rules:
When overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph you should leave at least 1.5 metres and give more space when over taking at higher speeds.
When overtaking horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles should do so at speeds under 10 mph allowing at least 2 metres of space.
When overtaking pedestrians walking in the road, speed should be kept low with at least 2 meters of space.
For their own safety, cyclists may ride in the middle of the lane or two abreast, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe to do so.
Car users should now open their doors with the hand furthest from the door in order to observe cyclists or pedestrians approaching.
The changes can be found at the following link: www.gov.uk/dft/highway-code-changes
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