As of next week, a change to the Highway Code will give pedestrians and cyclists priority over other road users.
The changes to the Highway Code will see the introduction of 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”. These will come into action from 29th January 2022 and any motorists in contravention face potential fines of £200 fine and six points on their license if they do not adhere to the new rules.
These changes will establish guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders and ensure they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead. They will also clarify existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and reaffirm that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road, according to Road Safety GB.
Drivers will be told to leave a minimum distance of 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists and must give way to pedestrians waiting to crossroads at junctions.
Cycling UK has said they are still concerned that not enough is being done to ensure that the public are aware of these changes.
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, said: “Many people won’t have read the Highway Code for years so it’s essential that the key changes are clearly explained, with simple, accurate and memorable messages.
“These changes have legal implications. Just as we saw with the introduction of other road safety measures like mandatory seat belts and stricter drink driving laws, the public needs to be accurately informed about the new rules.
“The hierarchy of responsibility and changes to junction priority need to be explained and communicated properly, regardless of whether or not everyone agrees with them.”
A DfT spokesman said: “The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were announced to the national press.
“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! the campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond.”
