New Highway Code Rules

A consultation is currently underway with proposed new Highway Code rules. The writers are considering making various alterations; particularly with regard to the following vulnerable groups:

• cyclists
• pedestrians
• horse riders

The main changes suggested to the Highway Code:

• introducing a hierarchy of road users, to ensure that those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility
• clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements; advising that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross the road
• providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions; drivers are advised to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead
• establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders. Most of the proposed changes do not actually appear to change any rules; they are more a reinforcement of the rules which are already in place.

Controversy

Some of the suggested changes are quite controversial however. For instance, do you think that cyclists should be allowed to turn right from the left-hand lane of a roundabout? If you are a cyclist would you actually consider doing this? I certainly wouldn’t fancy trying it!

With regard to pedestrians, the code says that drivers should give way to those who are already crossing a road before we turn into it. However, the new proposals suggest that drivers actually stop and wait for people who want to cross. This is a suggestion which could lead to even worse traffic congestion than we see at present. It will almost certainly also lead to an increase in rear end shunts!

If you wish, you can give your own opinion on the proposed changes to the Highway Code. Click here if you wish to read the documents.

Click here to buy the current version of the Highway Code (includes the new Highway Code Rules plus Theory Test practise questions).