Highway Code changes designed to enhance road safety for all

The changes follow a public consultation to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses.

HIERARCHY OF ROAD USERS

Arguably the most significant change, is the introduction of a new ‘hierarchy of road users’. This places those most at risk in the event of a collision – pedestrians and cyclists – at the top of the hierarchy. Those at the bottom – drivers of HGVs, buses and coaches – now have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others on the road. These changes do not remove the need for all road users to behave responsibly, however.

CROSSING THE ROAD AT JUNCTIONS

The updated code clarifies that when people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way. Similarly, if people have started crossing and a driver wants to turn into the road, the vehicle’s driver should give way to the pedestrian who has priority. People driving a vehicle, including motorcyclists and cyclists, must give way to people on a zebra crossing or a parallel (combined pedestrian and cycle) crossing.

NEW GUIDANCE FOR CYCLISTS

The code includes updated guidance for people cycling, which includes riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or where roads become narrower. It also advises cyclists to keep at least 0.5 metres from the kerb edge when riding on busy roads. People cycling in groups can ride two abreast but are asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake when it is safe to do so. When passing parked vehicles, cyclists should leave enough room (a door’s width) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened.

OVERTAKING CYCLISTS

It is allowed to cross a double-white line if necessary to overtake someone cycling or riding a horse if they are travelling under 10 miles per hour.

PEOPLE CYCLING AT JUNCTIONS

The code has been updated to clarify that when cyclists are going straight ahead at a junction, they have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road (unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise).

ROUNDABOUTS

The updated code clarifies that people driving or riding a motorcycle should give priority to people cycling on roundabouts. The guidance asks drivers and motorcyclists not to attempt to overtake people cycling in their lane and allow cyclists to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout. Newly added guidance asks drivers to take extra care when entering a roundabout to make sure they do not cut across people cycling or riding a horse.

PARKING, CHARGING AND LEAVING VEHICLES

The new code recommends a new technique when leaving vehicles, dubbed the ‘Dutch Reach’. This is urging drivers and passengers to open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening – so using their left hand to open a door on their right-hand side. The idea behind this is to make motorists turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them, meaning they are less likely to cause injury to people cycling or riding a motorcycle passing on the road or people on the pavement.

Denise Beedell, Public Policy Manager, said: “While Logistics UK raised concerns about the presumed liability arising from the new ‘hierarchy of road users’ rule’ during the consultation period, we were pleased that the Department for Transport listened to our concerns and amended the new guidance for all road users to understand their responsibility for the safety of others. We now urge our members to become fully acquainted with the new rules, particularly in relation to the new guidance on changing pedestrian and cyclist priorities, and read the briefing note recently released by Logistics UK.

“Safety is a top priority for our members and we are continuously campaigning for enhancement and improvements to the rules that govern safe road freight operations.”

For more information about the changes to The Highway Code, please read the briefing note recently issued by Logistics UK’s policy team.

*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns/road-safety

Published On: 03/02/2022 16:00:25

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