The Department of Transport has issued changes to The Highway Code. These changes are due to come into force on 29 January 2022.
At a glance: How has The Highway Code changed?
- Drivers of large passenger vehicles and HGVs now have ‘the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger posed to other road users’
- Drivers at a junction should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that they’re turning into
- Drivers should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing
- Cyclists should give way to pedestrians that are using shared-use cycle tracks
- Drivers should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane
- New ‘Dutch Reach’ technique tells road users how to open the door of their vehicle while looking over their shoulder
Three new rules have been added to The Highway Code.
Rule H1: hierarchy of road users
Road users who can do the greatest harm (those driving large vehicles) have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to other road users.
Here’s a look at what the hierarchy of road users looks like:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles
Rule H2: clearer and stronger priorities for pedestrians
This rule is aimed at drivers, motorists, horse riders and cyclists. The Highway Code now states clearly that, at a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you’re turning into. Previously, vehicles had priority at a junction.
Drivers should also give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing (a combined pedestrian and cycle crossing).
Meanwhile, cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, and are reminded that only pedestrians (including those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters) can use the pavement.
Pedestrians are allowed to use cycle tracks unless there’s a road sign nearby that says doing so is prohibited.
Rule H3: drivers to give priority to cyclists in certain situations
The updated The Highway Code urges drivers and motorcyclists not to cut across cyclists when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This rule applies whether the cyclist ahead is using a cycle lane, a cycle track or simply riding on the road ahead.
Drivers are meant to stop and wait for a safe gap when cyclists are:
- Approaching, passing or moving away from a junction
- Moving past or waiting alongside still or slow-moving traffic
- Travelling on a roundabout
What else is changing?
The ‘Waiting and parking’ chapter of The Highway Code has been updated to describe the ‘Dutch Reach’. This suggests you should open your door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you’re opening. So, you would use your left hand to open a door on your right side – this naturally makes you turn your head to look over your shoulder.
Meanwhile, electric vehicle (EV) owners are being reminded that the charging cables for their cars can present a trip hazard for pedestrians.
