A third of drivers unaware of Highway Code changes
A third (33 per cent) of drivers do not know about changes to the Highway Code which are being introduced on 29 January 2022, according to a survey by the AA.
The changes, which are currently going through parliamentary approval, include a new so-called 'hierarchy of road users', with pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists given higher priority than car and van drivers as they are at greater risk of being injured in the event of a collision.
Drivers will have to give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at a junction (rather than only when the pedestrian has stepped onto a crossing).
Under the new rules, drivers are also urged not to cut across cyclists at junctions or when changing lanes.
The Government announced its intention to revise the Highway Code and published its response to a public consultation in 2021 but the survey of 13,746 people carried out 8-18 January 2022 found 29 per cent were 'completely unaware of the changes' and intended to look them up, while four per cent were unaware and said they had 'no intention of looking at them'.
Commenting on the findings, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Too many drivers are unaware of the new rules of the road.
"While the Government formally announced these changes last summer, they have been far too silent in promoting them.
“Shockingly, one in 25 drivers say they have no intention of looking at the new rules. These changes affect everyone, so we encourage people to read the updated Code now so we can make our roads safer.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport (DfT) said that the changes will "improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, with those who present the most risk to other road users given the greatest responsibility in creating a safer travel environment for all".
They added: “The Department has established a working group of key organisations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established THINK! campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond.”
The changes affect England, Scotland and Wales as Northern Ireland has its own version of the Highway Code.
What changes are being made to the Highway Code?
The Government has proposed three main changes:
- Introducing a 'hierarchy of road users' to ensure those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
- Clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road.
- Establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders, and ensuring they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead.
You can read the full proposals here.
When is the Highway Code being updated?
The Highway Code will be update on 29 January 2022, subject to parliamentary approval.
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gavsmit on 24 January 2022
It strikes me that, along with the people that thought of 'smart' motorways, that there are some very naive people with far too much faith in human nature, or some kind of political agenda, making this stuff up.Whether you regard these rule changes as right or wrong, if you're going to walk or cycle in front of a car or other road vehicle and expect it to give way with only your faith in that driver's knowledge of the changes, their competence as a good driver, the road worthiness of their vehicle and your total confidence that they have actually seen you in the road, then good luck.
Someone needs to be questioning the motives and competence of the people making these rules, because it sure doesn't seem like real-world safety or common sense to me.
alan1302 on 24 January 2022
You have misunderstood - in the past you needed to step foot into the road for the car to give way at the crossing/junction. Now you just need to wait.hissingsid on 25 January 2022
I have always stopped for pedestrians who are clearly waiting to use a crossing. We are all pedestrians at some time or another.Cyclists are a different matter. The majority have no respect for the rules of the road. Every day I see them riding on pavements, through pedestrian precincts, the wrong way along one way streets and without lights at night. They are seldom prosecuted because they are unregistered and difficult to trace. Only when they kill or seriously injure a pedestrian do we hear of them being charged with an offence.
If cyclists want respect from other road users they must also show respect.
De Sisti on 25 January 2022
Everyday motorists are tailgating, not indicting, speeding, being over-aggressive and intimidating, driving without insurance in unroadworthy vehicles, going through red traffic lights, crashing and maiming/killing people. I don't see all of it everyday, but do see some of it and am aware of all of it happening.
RENO PEREIRA on 30 January 2022
I totally agree with this cyclists have no respect at all they think that they own the road, also speeding way over speed limits even on the footpaths and now the law is allowing them to ride in the centre of the road without using the bike paths that the government has spent millions of pounds on its shocking
BIG MO on 25 January 2022
Well said
De Sisti on 25 January 2022
I drive a car and ride a bike (a lot), so I can honestly take a balanced view on interactions on the roads.
However, the vitriol and anti-cyclist postings on different forums is depressing. I honestly feel that the people with those views don't ride a bike (even though they will probably swear on oath that the do).
Let's share the roads and be respectful and tolerant of each other (it's not a lot to ask, especially with all of the far-from-positive world events taking place).
newcastleman on 25 January 2022
I'm happy to share the roads with cyclists and give way and a wide berth when passing etc. When I'm a pedestrian It's a pity many cyclists do not share the same attitude. Non dual use footpaths being used by cyclists without any thought. Will they give me a 1.5 metre passing space when on dual use. I pass a cyclist too close no doubt I'll be reported. How do I report a non licenced, non insured cyclist and no doubt in future private e scooters?
Oldboy on 25 January 2022
Where can one get a paper copy of the new Highway Code to study ?As an old blighter I am not up for ingesting pages of information on line
Soddem on 26 January 2022
Try WH Smith
Edited by Soddem on 26/01/2022 at 12:07
Rod Allsworth on 25 January 2022
It is common sense to give room when passing a cyclist, horse etc. when in a car.However, I can see havoc in towns when motorists have to wait for light to turn and then a stream of pedestrians cross as they now have the right of way. This change is dangerous and will cause many accidents.
Ronald Kerley on 25 January 2022
Its a hey day for criminals who will stage an accident intentionallty stepping into the side of a turning car and claiming an insurance payout.SCSmith on 25 January 2022
The legal enshrining of giving cyclists and pedestrians 'priority' is a dangerous move, and exactly the wrong approach. By giving them priority, they will place their 'right' ahead of their own protection. It's basic human nature! The more vulnerable you are, the more responsibility you have to protect yourself, and *not* project that responsibility onto others. Of course, we must all care about each other though, so don't get me wrong. This is not going to go well.jchinuk on 25 January 2022
All these new rules or changes to existing rules are sensible and I suspect most road users apply them already.The problems will come when the minority of numpties, who ignore most of the rules anyway, are involved.
Motorists stopping for pedestrians getting hit from behind or overtaken as a knee-jerk reaction.
Pedestrians thinking that the rule applies anywhere and then stepping off the kerb without looking.
I recommend fitting a dashcam, front & rear, to give the driver at least some evidence of idiocy by the other party.
Furrybiker on 25 January 2022
I wonder if these rules have been dreamt up by someone who really hates cyclists and pedestrians.Pat Sutton on 25 January 2022
A new rule for cyclists should maybe be added......CYCLISTS SHOULD NOT CYCLE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD OR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE TEXTING.
IT WOUKD HELP IF CYCLISTS USED LIGHTS DURING THE HOURS OF DUSK AND NIGHT TIME.
IT WOULD HELP IF CYCLISTS DID NOT CUT ACROSS MOTORISTS ANY OLD TIME ANY OLD PLACE TO FOLLOW THEIR MATES WHO HAVE JUST DONE THE SAME THING.
I could go on and NO I am not anti-cyclists just someone trying hard not to kill one.
Pat
De Sisti on 25 January 2022
Stop shouting!. All of the above could be attributed to the drivers of motorised vehicles too.
And the result of it could kill other motorists like yourself.
Edited by De Sisti on 25/01/2022 at 18:52
Damage1_1 on 26 January 2022
So, I see many e scooters and cyclists running up one way streets (the wrong way) with no lights, hi vis , running across red traffic lights and on road then pavement then back to road again. No thought or use of the Highway Code. Note that I did not say ALL.
It's rare that I see cars or motor cycles do the same.
If we all use the "Queens Highway" shouldn't we all be reading from the same page?
Surely any person who is riding/driving any vehicle should have passed a test or proven level of competency?
RENO PEREIRA on 30 January 2022
I totally agree cyclists have no respect and have been given too much power, now the government should make them get insurance and road tax
paul robert watson on 25 January 2022
If we have to have equality in all areas of life,then surly young children on horsesshould have to have a proficiency test to take a horse on the road,as this is a creature
that has a mind and a will of it's own and not wholly in control of the rider no matter
how skilled they are.
Les Richards on 25 January 2022
New rules to help protect cyclists seem a bit of a joke since most cyclists (and e-scooter riders) I see as a pedestrian are already using the pavements and pedestrianised areas. Thought this was illegal?What about my safety when out walking?
A car being used illegally is compounded and the owner/driver penalised so why aren't those cyclists and scooterists using pavements treated likewise?
Without enforcement, new Laws and rules can be introduced daily and are a complete waste of time!
flumff on 25 January 2022
When I passed my test 55yrs ago.A pedestrian on a Zebra Crossing was God.
I hadnt realised that had changed.
Pedestrians can do walkabout on roads now!
Will they be paying road tax and have insurance?
Bicycles should be registered and pay road tax
plus insurance.
At the moment they can do thousands of pounds
paint work damage and then dissolve into the crowd.
They need to be accountable.
Has anyone ever been it total control of a horse?
As a pet I think they should be on a lead.
Like some children.
We wont have the problem much longer, everything
will grind to a halt overpopulation has got a lot to answer for.
This country doesnt get flooded from more rain, we are sinking.
Dont fall for the electric vehicle con.
Get a to a charging station with four miles in hand, sit fourth
in the queue, thats best part of four hours wasted!
Thats assuming the charging station is working.
Total nightmare, but expensive.
Paul Shears on 25 January 2022
Well said on all points.
Natural law takes precedence. You can't argue "process" from a pine box.
We already see the utterly disastrous consequences of ever reducing speed limits dragging down society to the lowest levels.
I have no doubt that if enough people decided that they wanted to ride horses or donkeys, then some i**** would force everyone to go even slower.
As I said to someone who supported the introduction of 20mph speed limits because they had young children, so why not make it 15mph? they would be even safer then. I was met with complete silence because the commenter had not been told what to think. So now we have ever more 15mph speed limits. Contrary to what the "speed awareness course" staff tell the victims of process, we also have ever lower speed limits on dual carriageways with cameras enforcing them.
Every problem in life cannot be solved by removing the requirement to display individual judgement and acting on it and replacing it with a "process".
Technically citizens in this country lost the right to do almost all all electrical work because the daughter of a single MP managed to electrocute herself and her i**** mother made it her mission in life to restrict the basic human freedom of around 65,000,000 people.
Gas work went the same way.
Now there is talk of preventing people from working on water supplies unless they have a licence to do so. It will come, just like 15mph speed limits came.
My neighbours have succeeded in devaluing their own properties because they have convinced themselves that they need to approve of people moving into the road and living in houses that they do not own.
I am sick and tired of hiring or hearing about one legally qualified tradesman after another who should never have gone near a training course. But the alternative is for the people who run training courses to lose their income.I have found myself in a vicious circle of employing one process follower after another in an effort to correct the previous legally qualified tradesman's mistakes. The alternative is to rip the lot out and do the job myself. This was not a problem 50 years ago.
The latest parasitic circle, is my water company who have now sent out some 19 men in 15 vehicles - mostly lorries - all following a mindless process which does not require them to use a single piece of test equipment or add any productive value. It's now official. The responsibility for fixing a simple water leak, which unofficially, has been repeatedly agreed as having been due to a previous repair by the water company, now lies with the consumer.
flumff on 25 January 2022
Soon be man with a red flag in front time.Full circle!
Thank you and goodnight.
Len Topham on 25 January 2022
Rule 140 of the Highway code: Why are "cyclists not obliged to use cycle tracks" when provided ? My own council has provide a purpose built cycle track (at great expense) alongside a busy single carriageway with limits from 40 to 60 m.p.h. Yet a few cyclists still insist on using the road, impeding traffic and putting themselves at risk. Why is the Highway code encouraging this antisocial and dangerous behaviour?Tony Mahon on 25 January 2022
I am a motorist and a cyclist. I will use cycle tracks if they are well designed and maintained.. However, many cycle tracks are neither, they are rough ,strewn with glass particles and often shared with pedestrians with obvious conflict. Even if a track is smooth and debris free I will still have to check that a car is not going to cross the track from a street on the left or from behind me on main road. All this is very different in the Netherlands where most journeys up to say 3 miles are made by cycle and there has been a long established hierarchy rule of the sort being proposed in the UK. I do think that it would be an excellent idea if ,as part of obtaining a licence to drive a car, one had to undergo some basic cycling skills.Of course, this used to happen naturally before children were taken almost everywhere by car.I realise that I was fortunate that as a child I could gradually increase my cycling proficiency by going further and further away from home before ever getting a car licence.So,when I am driving a car I can honestly say that ,although I will make mistakes ,I do not overtake a cyclist too close or overtake and then turn left in front of one.
Finally I will say that I have had moth long cycling holidays in France with never a nervous moment from cars etc. but a day after arriving back in the UK have been almost knocked from my steed.
F
Tony Mahon on 26 January 2022
Obviously I am not familiar with this particular cycle track but I have posted elsewhere why cyclists may be reluctant to use the track. For instance, roads which cross the track and from which cars may emerge or turn into from behind the cyclist.Even though the motorist may well be at fault in a collision that would be of little comfort to the injured or killed cyclist and his or her family.although I personally I would ride on any well designed and maintained cycle track
( and many are neither ), there never has been any compulsion to use cycle tracks.
Perhaps you could get your bike out ( most people have one somewhere ) ,ride on the track and see if there are any problems with it. If it really is a good track, surface,lack of obstacles and not shared by pedestrians, then I would agree with you.
MR SIMON HARFORD on 25 January 2022
The amount of cyclists that I've come across dressed as ninjas is unbelievable, all in black no or barely visible lights and cycling in the road when the b****y cycle path is 2 metres to the left of them but it's my fault if I kill them!
Wtf, or are they just trying to win a Darwin award!
Edited by MR SIMON HARFORD on 25/01/2022 at 15:41
BrandyG on 25 January 2022
DGMy wife and I walk most days, the one thing that spoils a pleasant walk is cyclists riding on the pavement and footpaths rather than in the cycle lane alongside . They always expect us to move out of their way
When driving it is cyclists holding up traffic, ignoring traffic signals etc.
There are a few cyclists and I mean a few that behave courteously.
However any law like the new Highway Code that gives them more power is wrong. If they break the law they should lose all protection the law now will gives them.
If they want this to change then they should be insured, pay for a licence and carry photo identification .
Les Boris on 25 January 2022
These new rules will encourage more stupidity. The number of times I have hit the brakes when a mother has pushed the pram into the road whilst on her phone and not paying attention.Then last week a pedestrian was standing on a street corner, I saw her 100 feet away, she waited and then decided to cross as I indicated and turned the corner, WTF is wrong with these people.
Giving people the "right" should not impact on common sense.
Deejaytee on 25 January 2022
When I was a child, I would get a clip around the ear from my Father if I ever set foot off the kerb without looking first. His argument was that it hurt a lot less than being hit by a vehicle! This change to motorists giving way to pedestrians at a junction is going to lead to all sorts of problems. When did the 'Green Cross Code' become obsolete?Corina J Poore on 25 January 2022
In my experience a huge number of cyclists (in London) consistently misbehave, not using lights at night, or even correct reflective clothing, and showing zero respect for the current Highway Code, including red lights.
It seems the time has therefore come for all cycles on the road, including e-scooters (horses exempted!), should have NUMBER PLATES. Cyclists should also be identifiable when they break the Highway codes, so they can also be held liable and fined, (as are motorbikes, cars and vans etc.) as they are sharing the highways with others and should respect them as well.
Tony Mahon on 25 January 2022
I know that this is a motoring forum but it is depressing and totally predictable that there is so much anti cycling sentiment. I hope that most of that comes from people whose driving is beyond reproach.How many people remember that Amber means stop if you can safely do so and not accelerate to try to beat Red, often follows by a driver behind going through on Red. Of course, nobody on this forum will have ever done that.
Wraith on 25 January 2022
There was the very sad case last year of a young Dr getting killed while cycling. But when it turned out she went up the inside of an artic that then turned left, you do wonder if commonsense left her at that moment.Phian on 25 January 2022
The problem with any discussion on this topic is that people judge users in other categories by the worst examples.No one notices the good motorist or careful cyclist and there are plenty of both.
Model Flyer on 25 January 2022
While I respect all other road users there are those that just dont give a thought for anyone but themselves. These new rules are a Jay walkers / cyclists charter and will encourage even more fools to just walk off the pavements or ride thrir bicycles across red lights while engrosed in their mobile phones or their loud music via headphones. The government should have included a section that places responsibility and accountability on pedestrians and cyclist for their actions. Fit dashcams and cover yourself. How long before the first damages claims against a car driver comes in. Even in America , the claim culture capital of the world they enforce Jay walking laws. Another Pandora's box is opened by fools who dont have the balls to tell people to be responsible for their actions.
Edited as my description of people that step off a kerb without looking or ride their bikes recklessly without a care for others, beginning with I and ending with t is against our so woke culture !!
Edited by Model Flyer on 25/01/2022 at 20:51
robert battley on 25 January 2022
im with oldman , i have just have to get hold of the new highway code, the last one i had was around 50 years ago , it all seemed straight forward . but then the new one must have changed things a bit , like rules[1] when a street is narrow you must park on the pavement to allow other drivers pass
[2] when you tailgate an articulated lorry and you want to overtake wait till someone is closing in on you then quickly dart out
[3] do not signal your intentions to overtake as this causes confusion ,wait till you make your move then signal as this will allow other drivers the chance to know what you have done
[4] when you are using a fast lane or overtaking lane and you are happy with your speed at 50 or 60 mph make sure you stay in that lane to allow other drivers to undertake you safely
[5] the double broken lines at a roundabout means stop even if the roundabout is clear
[6] when a lane on any motorway is closed it is advisable to drive to the closure and push your way in you will always find someone who will let you in
there must be other changes to the code but i have not seen it
SM 41 on 25 January 2022
Do we really need extra rules ? it's not like we get up in the morning and decide to kill a cyclist,I would say at least 90% of cyclists are at fault when involved accidents that is partly why I'm not driving my hgv down london way because cyclists are worse than car drivers when it comes to rules of the road and untill this govt tackles that then more peole/cyclists will be hurt/killed no matter how many rules govt put on the motoring public.De Sisti on 27 January 2022
Do you have any reputable sources to prove your claim?
Pauline Hopkins on 26 January 2022
i just think the whole world has gone crazy.Giving way to cyclists, who do not pay any road tax for have any insurance for using our roads is ridiculus..
They want people to cycle or walk, what about the older generation, where local transport is not good, they have to rely on a car to get them to the shops, and get their food home again.
Our local council have put the cycle lane on the Pavement!!!!
If there is an accident with a pedestrian- who is responsible for it.?
The Cyclist or the pedestrian.
Also with cycle lanes in place, they are not used, or very rarely, what a waste of money..
Pot holes need the money .....
Wake up to a mad world, where someone , who ihas nothing better to do, than make up schemes, for people to spend their money on, that is a waste.
Tony Mahon on 26 January 2022
The old thing about Road Tax which was abolished when Winston Churchill was in power.
What we do have is Vehicle Excise Duty and there is no tax which directly pays for road upkeep.I drive a car and sometimes ride a bike and the vast majority of cyclists that I know belong to a cycling organisation i.e. Cycling UK which provides Third Party Insurance as part of the membership fees. I do agree about the painting of a white line down a pavement and calling it a cycle lane,there will be an obvious conflict with pedestrians and IF I have to use such a lane then I am extra vigilant and adjust speed accordingly.The new highway code means that if I did collide with a pedestrian then the onus would be on me to prove that I was not at fault.This change of Highway Code has been the norm in the rest of Europe for many years and in my experience it doesn't cause conflict there. Why must it be so different in the UK?
conman on 29 January 2022
Some of the new amendments to the highway code are obviously written by people that most probably do not own a car and vote for the Green party.A commonsense upgrade to the code should have been to keep cyclists alive, would be make it a legal requirement to, always wear a helmet, always have daylight running lights fitted, wear reflective clothing, be registered, make sure your bicycle is in a road worthy condition, be insured so that you have legal representation incase of an accident and if there is a cycle lane it must be used.
But that sounds too much like common sense and rules like ride in the middle of the road even where the speed limit is 60/70 mph. seems to be the new rule even with no lights on at night.
Also for pedestrians if there is a pedestrian crossing you must use this to cross the road. Here in Manchester they have had a massive increase of traffic controlled crossing seems now a waste of money because now you can cross anywhere. You do have to ask yourself how much common sense do these people have that have dreamt up and who have they consulted obviously no one with sense. After all they are running the country and most probably the same people that think SMART motorways are safe.
Some of the new advisories are good and common sense but others are stupid obviously a reflection of the intelligence of the people that made up these new codes obviously those that have birds flying around in there head instead of brains. How can some of these ridiculous changes ever been passed.
Very similar people that are pushing the Greater Manchester Air Quality scheme if you look at the map showing the worst polluting areas you will see they are where the council has implemented changes to the roads, reducing the lanes from 4 to 2 to allow bus lanes that are virtually empty for most of the day, installing traffic lights that are out of sequence or don't really have to be there at all. narrowing roads unnecessarily, putting up road blocks so now you have to travel miles out of your way to get to the original place, traffic light pedestrian crossings before you only waited 20 seconds for the persons to cross now tens of cars have to wait minutes or even have to wait even when someone pushes the button and walks off, etc. etc. and you the driver are getting the blame.
De Sisti on 31 January 2022
RENO PEREIRA on 30 January 2022
Since the new stupid highway code laws regarding cyclists having soooooooo much power they DO NOT RESPECT anyone else on the roads, they zig zag all over the place on and off the footpaths where pedestrians will get knocked over or worse and back onto the road. Now for the serious cyclists (lycra wearing LOL) they ride in the centre of the road and around country lanes with NO CARES about anyone else using the road, so when will our government going to put in force that cyclists are to be fully insured and pay road tax also using front and back lights maybe get all cyclists to take a cycle proficiency test like they did back in the day where you had a badge mounted on the bike. As a car driver and motorcycle owner i would love to find out where they have these meetings to express everything that i have said here, now if you drive around London or whatever city you will see i****s on motorised scooters/bicycles riding like real m****s and again no insurance or tax to be on the road .... keep safeTony Mahon on 6 February 2022
Well well Reno ,yet more anti cyclist comments. Yes , no doubt you can find cyclists that act like that but can you honestly say that a list of drivers acting in an aggressive and rule breaking manner could also be made.You also made the point about cyclists not paying road tax; I drive a car as well as ride a bike and I have never paid road tax but then neither do you, it was abolished when Winston Churchill was Prime Minister. What we do have to pay is Vehicle Excise Duty and this goes into Government funds,there is no tax which directly pays for road upkeep.
When I do cycle I find that the roads worst surfaces are in the first metre from the kerb so that's why I and other cyclists want to avoid those.
I don't know anyone who is a regular cyclist that isn't a member of one or other cycling organisations i.e. Cycling UK and membership fees include third party insurance.
As for lycra clothing, it's just more comfortable if you are riding over 2 or 3 miles.
Having said all this,the more I read about the new rules I can see some confusion and the need for a rewrite, they have also been badly publicised and I have heard people on TV saying things about them which are just not true- I heard someone say that a motorist who is on a roundabout most now give way to a cyclist that wishes to join the roundabout FALSE. The rules say that if a cyclist is already going on the roundabout THEN the motorist is supposed to give way.
Keep Safe.
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