There have been few other topics that were more heatedly discussed than those at Number 10 lockdown parties.
There are 50 additional or amended rules today, 29 January. Nine sections have nine different sections. Most notable alterations concern the prioritisation for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Government is to fund a new £500,000 Think! Radio and social media campaigns will be used to spread awareness about the new rules. However, it won’t begin until February mid-February — almost one month after their introduction.
Motoring groups like the AA are concerned about this. They recently polled 13,700 drivers and found that a third of them didn’t know the Highway Code was being rewritten.
Some drivers might find it overwhelming to go through such a large overhaul of the law book. So we have listed the most significant changes and simplified them for you.
Today’s Highway Code contains 50 new or revised rules. These were added to nine sections. Here are 10 more rules than the drivers actually need.
1. The new “hierarchy for road users” has been created
Unpopular changes made to the Highway Code include the addition of a new hierarchy of road users. This pyramid-style protection scheme is intended to protect the most vulnerable.
This means that drivers who cause most harm to others are the ones responsible for taking care of them.
You have more risk if you are driving a larger vehicle.
To protect those most at risk, the hierarchy of road users acts as a protection pyramid.
The HGV, truck, bus driver have the highest responsibility. They are followed by van and minibus drivers. Finally, there is the car and taxi drivers and then motorbike riders. Horse riders and cyclists also share more responsibility than pedestrians.
However, the rule does not mean pedestrians cannot walk on the streets believing that they are protected from the elements.
Highway Code updates include the following line: “The hierarchy does NOT remove the necessity for everyone to behave responsibly.”
The following graphic shows the Highway Code’s changes in regard to cyclists and drivers, starting today. It also includes new rights of way for pedestrians at intersections.
2. Junctions with pedestrians will be more open to them.
While pedestrians had always been entitled to the right-of-way if they were on the road before this Highway Code update, it gives them additional rights at junctions.
The other vehicles should not pass if someone is trying to cross or waiting at a crossing. If traffic turns into pedestrians’ path, it is best to wait for them to cross.
The rule makers also clarified rights of way for parallel or zebra crossings. This is the same thing as a crossing over the zebra, but the cycle route crosses the road. This clarifies that everyone on the road, motorcyclists included, must give way to any person walking or riding across such crossings.
In certain circumstances, cyclists should ride in the middle, but they are not required to do so.
3. Even if the road has a bike lane, cyclists may be in the middle.
New guidance provides more rights for cyclists to place themselves prominently on the road.
Highway Code states that cyclists may ride in their own lane on calmer roads and in slower traffic.
Bicyclists should keep at least half of their distance from the edge of the kerb when riding on congested roads or with fast moving cars. You can also ride closer to the center of the lane if it’s’safer’ to do so.
If there is a bicycle lane on the road, all of these rules will apply. However, cyclists don’t have to use it.
Drivers in cities and towns should remember that the Highway Code doesn’t apply to cyclists. There are many imperfections on roads that make it dangerous to cycle close to the curb, such as potholes and drain covers.
It is legal for cyclists to ride two-abreast on a single lane. Large groups, such as this one, are encouraged.
4. Two-abreast cycling is possible for cyclists
Cycling groups are now eligible for additional advice.While being considerate of road users, it also clarifies that two people can share a lane.
This is actually encouraged by the new language in specific scenarios such as larger groups of people or when Children and less-experienced riders can be accompanied.
However, cyclists in groups are reminded that they must give way to drivers approaching from behind. They can do this by either reverting back to single file, or even stopping.
You need how much space? A driver must leave 2m (or 6.5ft) space between his vehicle and riders riding horses under 10mph.
5. When passing cyclists, horses and ramblers, drivers must keep this distance between them.
Today’s Highway Code Update has many scenarios that motorists will need to be aware of.
First of all, drivers can overtake cyclists or horses riding at 10mph and less.
If a motorist passes cyclists traveling at speeds of 30mph or more, they must give at least 1.5 metres (five feet) of distance.
Drivers will need to increase their distance by half a meter (or 6.5 feet) to pass people on horses, driving on horseback, and walking along roads.
Highway Code stipulates that drivers must follow the road users, and should not pass them until they are able to do so.
6. If you get stuck, you can be passed by cyclists on both the left and right.
Highway Code updates now allow cyclists to pass motorists on slow moving or stationary traffic. Motorists should be careful on busy roads.
It is important to exercise caution when cycling, especially on the left side of drivers’ eyes, approaches junctions. Also be cautious when passing large or unfamiliar vehicles.
Bicyclists can pass cars in slow moving traffic on either the left or right side. Motorists must be aware of where they are located.
7. For cyclists, it is a priority to go straight ahead at junctions.
With a variety of new rules in place to help cyclists and pedestrians, drivers need to pay extra attention to ensure their safety.
When crossing intersections without specific bicycle facilities, the code suggests that cyclists behave like other vehicles.
They should position themselves so that they can safely move in their chosen lane. They will be more easily visible to other drivers, and it will prevent them from being overtaken by traffic when trying to turn.
This code states that if cyclists are riding straight through a intersection, they will have priority over other traffic waiting for them to go into or exit a side street, unless there is a road sign or marking to the contrary.
Cyclists should be alert for drivers who intend to cross their paths.
8. A new update on roundabout rules
Highway Code now states that motorcycle riders and drivers must respect cyclists who are riding on the road. They should be careful not to try to ride past them, but should let them pass as they cycle around.
While cyclists and horses riders are allowed to use the right-hand lane at a roundabout regardless of which exit they took, new guidance states that motorists must take extra care when turning into a roundabout so they don’t cut through other road users.
Dutch Reach is a technique that should be used to prevent cyclists from being pushed into the vehicle’s door by an automobile occupant.
9. Dutch
The code now recommends motorists exit their vehicles using a technique called the ‘Dutch Reach’.
If passengers or drivers of the vehicle can open the doors, they must do so using their opposite hand. You can open doors on your right or left using your left hand.
They’ll be physically forced to do this to make sure they look behind their backs, so that it is easier for others to pass them.
The code also says that cyclists should leave a door’s width – or one metre – when passing a parked car to avoid being hit if a passenger or driver swings it open.
Drivers who are worried that a charging cable might pose a danger to pedestrians should post a sign.
10. Electric car owners need to be careful not to trip pedestrians using their charging cables
New instructions have been added to the Highway Code for electric vehicle drivers. The first is about how to charge your vehicle at a charging spot.
It is important that drivers park close to their device so they don’t pose a risk for pedestrians.
If they’re concerned that someone could fall on the cord they can put up a sign next to their car.
They are also required to return all charging cables within the device in a neat and orderly manner so that pedestrians don’t become ill from them.
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