Highway Code Rule Changes - January 2022
Dated: 05 Jan, 2022
The new Highway Code will create a “hierarchy of road users” that gives those who can do the most harm the “greatest responsibility”. This places pedestrians and then cyclists above horse riders, motorcyclists, cars, vans, LGVs and buses, as pedestrians are classed as those who can cause the least harm. Drivers will be expected to give more priority to cyclists and pedestrians. The new rules mean that:
▪ Motorists and cyclists will have to give way to pedestrians that are waiting to cross a road they are turning into.
▪ Pedestrians will have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
▪ Cars, vans or trucks indicating to turn left or right will also have to give way to cyclists coming from behind and going straight on.
▪ Drivers should also leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph – and give them even more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
▪ Cyclists will be advised to ride in the middle of the road when approaching junctions and on quiet roads – currently, those on bikes typically ride on the left-hand side of the road.
The new Highway Code is set to come into place on the 29th of January 2022, subject to getting the consent of parliament. You can follow the link below to view a table showing the rule changes.
