On 1 December 2021, the results of a public consultation and review of the Highway Code were presented in the Houses of Parliament.
Eight new Highway Code rules and 49 updates to existing rules were implemented on 29 January. These changes are likely to impact the way you drive, so we wanted to help you brush up before you next take to the road.
What do the new rules say?
The new rules have introduced a 'hierarchy of road users', designed to protect those deemed most at risk on the road such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.
Rules H1, H2 and H3 specifically drive the 'hierarchy of road users', where those at the greatest risk in the event of a collision are top priority.
H1: Greater responsibility for vehicles with larger road presence
This rule is geared toward drivers of HGVs, vans, passenger carrying vehicles such as minibuses, cars, taxis. It also extends to motorbikes. Drivers of these vehicles can cause the greatest harm in a collision and now hold more responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to other road users.
Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse-drawn vehicles also have a responsibility to reduce the risk they pose to pedestrians.
H2: 'Give way' and only pedestrians may use the pavement and footways (incl. wheelchair and mobility scooter users)
This is a rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders/drawn vehicles and cyclists.
At a junction, you should give way to any pedestrians waiting to cross a road, or in the road, regardless of whether you are turning onto or off the main road. Pedestrians have priority at light-controlled crossings, zebra crossings or parallel crossings.
Road users, including horse riders, must give way to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing and to pedestrians on a zebra crossing.
Pedestrians have right of way over cyclists on shared use cycle tracks or over horse riders on bridleways. They may use any part of the road, pavement, footway or cycle tracks, unless there are signs to the contrary.
H3: Mind the gap – a rule for both drivers and motorcyclists
You must ensure that you provide cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles with enough space so that they do not need to stop or swerve to accommodate your manoeuvre, whether that be changing lane or direction or using a junction.
You should not cut across a cyclist, just as you would not another motor vehicle. This rule applies whether they are riding ahead of you on the road, or on a designated cycle track (or bridleway for horse riders).
If cyclists are approaching, passing or moving off from a junction, moving past or waiting alongside slow-moving/stationary traffic or on a roundabout, you're advised to wait for a safe gap before turning.
Junctions
Previously, it wasn't until a pedestrian stepped into the road that they had right of way. The updated code now states that if a pedestrian is crossing or waiting to cross, other road users must give way.
Cyclists should use special cycle facilities where available. Junctions, particularly those with traffic lights, can have a smaller set of cycle traffic lights at eye-level. These have been designed to allow safe crossing of cyclists.
Where these separate facilities are not available, the cyclist should default to the positioning of a driver – making themselves as central and visible in the lane as possible. If it doesn't feel safe, dismount, and walk your bicycle across the junction.
Overtaking
The updated guidance on safe passing distances for drivers and motorcyclists indicates that:
- 1.5 metres must be given to cyclists traveling at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour, this space should be increased at higher speeds
- Two metres must be given to horse riders or horse drawn vehicles traveling at speeds of 10 miles an hour or less
- When passing people walking in the road, drivers should leave at least two metres of space and keep their speed low
Finally, drivers should be prepared to wait. If it doesn't feel safe to pass, wait for the next clearance in traffic to allow you to do so, safely.
Slow down in shared spaces
In places where the space is shared between pedestrians, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and cyclists, extra care should be taken when passing pedestrians. Slow down, let them know you're there, don't assume they've seen you.
You should always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary and you should not pass a horse on the left.
Roundabouts
Drivers and motorcycle riders should give priority to those cycling and should not attempt to overtake or move across their path as they travel around the roundabout.
Allowance must be given for horse riders or horse drawn vehicles to use the left-hand lane, cutting across the path of drivers when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout to an exit.
Road positioning for cyclists
Make yourself as visible as possible to other road users by riding/driving in the centre of your lane. Move to the left if it's safe for a vehicle to overtake, but always maintain at least 0.5 metres from the kerb.
Cyclists in groups can ride two abreast, which may be safer in certain circumstances, but they must be aware of those behind them, allowing them to overtake when it is safe to do so.
In slow moving traffic, a cyclist may pass slowly moving traffic on the right or left but should always proceed with caution.
Cycling past a parked vehicle? Leave at least a doors width (one metre) and be mindful of people walking into your path.
Two stage turns for cyclists
If you are a cyclist wishing to make a turn when the traffic lights turn green, you should go straight ahead to the cycle symbol on the carriageway, then stop and wait for the next signal.
When the traffic lights facing you on the far side of the junction turns green, you should complete the turn.
Cyclists going straight ahead
If you are going straight ahead at a junction, you have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of the side road. If there are road markings with specific instructions, these should be followed instead.
The 'Dutch reach'
To increase your awareness of cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians, the new code recommends adopting the 'Dutch reach'.
This involves opening your vehicle door with the opposite hand, so that you turn your body to look over the opposite shoulder to see what may be approaching from behind.
Safe electric charging
For the first time, there is guidance in the Highway Code for the use of electric vehicle charging points. The guidance states that charging point users should park closely to the charge point, to avoid creating a trip hazard. Drivers should, where possible, display a warning sign and return connections neatly after use.
In summary
- The greater your road presence, the greater your responsibility to others
- Pedestrians have right of way at junctions, waiting to cross the road, or on pavements/ footways
- Guidance has been updated for cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles and their position in the hierarchy of the road
- You should adhere to new guidance on safe passing distances and measures
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