Highway Code Changes Set To Take Effect This Weekend - Everyone Needs To Read About The Changes - Not Just Drivers
27th January 2022
Changes to The Highway Code, including the hierarchy of road-users and the 'Dutch Reach' are set to change from 29 January 2022.
Highway Code set to be updated with fresh guidance in boost to road safety.
government to launch communications campaign ensuring people across the country are aware of how updates will affect them
changes will include a hierarchy of road users
Changes to The Highway Code designed to enhance safety for all road-users - particularly those most at risk - are set to come into effect from 29 January 2022, as the government continues to build back safer.
If approved by Parliament, a hierarchy of road-users will be introduced this weekend, ensuring quicker or heavier modes of travel have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others on the road.
Cyclists will also receive fresh guidance to ride in the centre of a lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions in order to make themselves as clearly visible as possible. They'll also be reminded they can ride 2 abreast - as has always been the case and which can be safer in large groups or with children - but they must be aware of drivers behind them and allow them to overtake if it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, motorists will be encouraged to adopt the so-called ‘Dutch Reach' (as shown), opening the door next to them with the opposite hand so they look over their shoulder, meaning they're less likely to injure passing cyclists and pedestrians.
to the Highway Code clarify our responsibility to each other and simply reinforce what good road users already do. This refresh does more than offer guidance though, it makes our towns, cities and villages nicer places to live.
The government recognises the importance of The Highway Code keeping pace with the way in which people get about, as well as with changes to transport infrastructure. For example, the updates recognise new cycle-friendly signals and cycle junctions, so people know how to use modern carriageways. Cyclists are also encouraged to consider training in order to have the skills, knowledge and confidence to ride safely and responsibly on the road.
RAC Head of Roads Policy, Nicholas Lyes, said:These major changes to The Highway Code should make the roads safer for the most vulnerable road users, in particular, those walking and cycling, so are to be welcomed. But it's vitally important that all road users - especially drivers - take the time to fully understand what's new as some of the changes are a significant departure from what's gone before. For instance, drivers turning into a road should now give way to any pedestrians waiting to cross.
As we look towards a net zero future, safer roads will encourage more and more people to travel by foot, bike or public transport, helping reduce congestion and emissions. Improvements to road safety measures will also lead to fewer road traffic collisions, not only saving lives but also the billions of pounds spent every year on dealing with such collisions.
As part of their work to improve road safety even further, DfT also recently announced plans to change the laws around using handheld mobile phones while driving. They will be made stricter later this year, making virtually any use of them behind the wheel illegal, with those caught breaking the law potentially facing 6 penalty points and a £200 fine.
