17/07/2023
Three of the biggest Highway Code changes you should know about:
Rule H1: New Hierarchy of Road Users
Those who pose the greatest risk to others have a higher level of responsibility to reduce the danger to others.
This principle applies most strongly to drivers of HGVs, LGVs, cars, taxis and motorcycles and aims to protect those more vulnerable, such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
“None of this detracts from the responsibility of ALL road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety,” according to the rule change.
Rule H2: New Priority for Pedestrians at Junctions
At a junction, drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road from which you are turning in to or out of.
Drivers will also have to give way to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing or zebra crossing (previously you only had to give way if they’re already on the crossing).
Rule H3: New Priority for Cyclists When Cars are Turning
Drivers must give way to cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when turning in to or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road.
Drivers should not turn at a junction if it would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve. Drivers must stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.
The changes also introduce new advisory measures that are not legal requirements but could be drawn upon in court proceedings.
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