Check the Highway code

We’ve all read some, or perhaps all, of the Highway Code at one time or other in our lives probably in order to pass our driving test. But following a public consultation last year, this 90-year-old publication is about to make some significant changes.

Due to come into effect from Saturday 29 January 2022, the Code aims to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses. So, even if you are not a driver, we urge everyone to read it, as many of the rules in the code are legal requirements and if you disobey them, you will be committing a criminal offence.

What’s new?

A new hierarchy of road users has been created with pedestrians (children, older adults and disabled people in particular) identified as ‘the most likely to be injured in the event of a collision. Next comes cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists, cars/taxis, vans/minibuses and finally large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles. The hierarchy sets out to create clearer and stronger priorities for pedestrians. It also ensures drivers give priority to cyclists in certain situations

Jas Thiara, Head of Criminal Litigation & Motoring Offences at Alsters Kelley Solicitors has reviewed the code and has identified 7 other key areas that you need to be aware of

These are as follows:

Priority will be given to people crossing or waiting to cross at a junction or zebra/parallel crossing, meaning that all other traffic must give way.
People cycling, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle should respect the safety of people walking in a shared space (control their speed, alerting them to their presence etc.), but people walking should also take care not to obstruct or endanger them.
Ensure you take up the correct positioning in the road when cycling. On quiet lanes, in slower-moving traffic, or at the approach to junctions/road narrowing’s, this can be in the centre of your lane. Plus, you need to keep at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it’s safer) when riding on busy roads where vehicles are moving faster than you.
New safe passing distances and speeds for people driving or riding a motorcycle when overtaking vulnerable road users. This includes leaving at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. Passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space. Allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keeping to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement). And when it’s not safe or possible to meet these clearances, you need to wait behind them.
When cycling and looking to turn into or out of a side road, you should give way to people walking who are crossing or waiting to cross. Also, you need to comply with small cycle traffic light at eye-level height which may allow you to move separately from or before other traffic. And recommendations that if you are cycling and there are no separate cycling facilities, you should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle. Essentially, you need to make yourself as visible as possible, avoid being overtaken where it’s dangerous and position yourself correct in your chosen lane.
People driving or riding a motorcycle should give priority to people cycling, riding a horse and/or driving horse-drawn vehicles on a roundabout.
New ‘Dutch Reach’ technique tells road users how to open the door of their vehicle while looking over their shoulder. And when what to do when using an electric vehicle charge point to minimise danger to other people and avoid creating an obstacle for other road and/or pavement users.

Stay up to date

Jas Thiara, Head of Criminal Litigation & Motoring Offences welcomes the new rules. “Latest research states that one third of drivers are unaware of upcoming changes to the Highway Code. Whilst we think there could have been more publicity to promote the changes, we are keen to advise drivers of the tougher rules.”

She continued. “The full version of The Highway Code is available, free of charge, on www.GOV.UK. This will be updated on 29 January 2022. Or you can pre-order an updated version of The Highway Code book online now, and/or buy a copy at most high street bookshops from April 2022.”

Contact the team at Alsters Kelley Solicitors for support and advice about motoring offences

For support and advice about any criminal or motoring offences then please contact Jas Thiara, Head of Criminal Litigation & Motoring Offences at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd on 02477 710200 or email jas.thiara@alsterskelley.com