Do you know about the changes to the Highway Code?

Do you know about the changes to the Highway Code?

To be honest, many of us won’t have read the Highway Code for years, but there is a change happening, and it starts this weekend (Saturday, 29 January). Unfortunately, much of this week’s news is all about how the PM partied during the lockdowns, so these changes are not really being appropriately communicated right now. So, here at Mr T Autos, we want to explain the new ‘rules’.

We are all aware that the rules in the updated Highway Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules, you are committing a criminal offence.

You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence, or disqualified from driving.

The new rules bring change and stricter powers which mean the Highway Code can now be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability.

At its simplest interpretation: those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others – that’s people walking, cyclists and horse riders.

The onus is also on vulnerable road users, like cyclists and horse riders, who are responsible for reducing the danger to people walking.

So, basically, the responsibility is for ALL road users, that’s including people walking, cycling or riding a horse, not just drivers, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.

To follow is how the Highway Code has changed so that we can look out for each other.

Pedestrians have the right of way

The changes to The Highway Code are extensive. Previously, the Highway Code had guided all road users to be considerate towards each other, applying this principle equally to pedestrians and drivers.

From Saturday, there is a new hierarchy of road users’ which now places those who can do the greatest harm with the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others.

So now pedestrian priorities at junctions’ change. From Saturday, if you are looking to turn into a road and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you are expected to stop and give way.

The new Rule H2 of the revised Code prioritises pedestrians waiting to cross the road, not just the ones already stepping out. Therefore, if you are looking to turn into a road and see a pedestrian waiting to cross, you must now give way and wait.

Rules for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions

The new Rule H3 is designed to protect cyclists. It sets out that when turning into or out of a junction, drivers must check for the presence of other users and wait. They should not commit to manoeuvring and cutting across the path of any other road user.

Safe Passing Distances

Rule 163 now prescribes safe passing distances when overtaking cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles.

This includes guiding on at least a 1.5-metre space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph. More space is expected when overtaking at speeds more than 30mph.

When passing a pedestrian who is walking on the road, drivers are expected to allow at least two metres of space and to maintain a low speed.

The guidance also sets out that drivers should not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet the clearances set out.

In addition to setting out safe passing distances, the new Rule 72 establishes the right for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane to ensure that they remain visible.

Rule 213 has also been changed to confirm that on narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane, and drivers should allow them to do so for their safety to ensure they can see and be seen.

The ‘Dutch Reach’

Rule 67 provides guidance for cyclists on the safe distance to pass parked vehicles; it now suggests leaving a door’s width or one metre when doing so.

Rule 239 has also been updated to include what is often known as the ‘Dutch Reach’ for drivers opening the doors of their parked cars.

It sounds like a complicated dance move, but the idea is that if you open your car door using the opposite hand, it forces you to turn your body and your head, to enable better checking over your shoulder and your blind spot. So, you reduce the chance of opening the door into someone’s path.

Changes at a glance

  • Giving people walking across and people cycling going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
  • Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph gives them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
  • Passing people riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
  • Allowing at least 2 metres of space and keeping to a low speed when passing a person who is walking in the road
  • Encouraging people driving vehicles to open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder behind them to see people cycling or walking nearby
  • People cycling may ride in the centre of the road or two abreast for their own safety whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so

My guys are here to help. Get in touch if you need an MOT, repair, or advice. Call us on 01628 788 880 or book via info@mrtautos.co.uk, message us on Facebook, or find us on NEXTDOOR.

Share this post