Fresh guidelines are set to be contributed to the Highway Code in the coming weeks.
Among the major modifications is the intro of a road user hierarchy, which puts obligation on drivers of big vehicles – such as trucks or vans – to reduce the risk posed to others.
The changes, which will be imposed on January 29 2022, aim to secure bicyclists and pedestrians from roadway mishaps.
A staggering one in 3 motorists are uninformed of the new guidelines, according to a poll carried out by AA.
Below, we describe the most pressing changes you must know about.
What are the three brand-new guidelines added to The Highway Code?
Guideline 1 Hierarchy of roadway users
The most significant shake-up is that road users have actually been split into hierarchies.
Road users with the prospective to cause the most damage – such as those driving big cars – have more responsibility to lower the danger presented to others.
According to the rules, pedestrians– with specific emphasis on kids, older grownups and handicapped individuals– are determined as “the most likely to be injured in case of an accident”.
As a result, the law will place more obligation on drivers to watch out for bicyclists, pedestrians or horseriders.
Figures released by the Department for Transport (DfT) show 4,290 pedestrians and 4,700 cyclists were eliminated or seriously injured on Britain’s roadways from 2020 to June 2021.
Pedestrians sit at the top of the hierarchy followed by bicyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists, automobiles, vans and large guest or heavy goods cars.
A DfT spokesperson said: “The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will enhance security for bicyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were announced to national press.
“The department has developed a working group of crucial organisations to make sure that messages about the modifications are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! project will continue to make sure all road users know both when these modifications enter result and beyond.”
Guideline 2. Top priorities for pedestrians
At a junction, drivers and motorcyclists must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
This is a significant shake-up as lorries were previously provided priority at crossways.
In addition, bicyclists should pave the way to pedestrians on shared-cycle tracks.
Guideline 3. Drivers to provide concern to bicyclists in specific situations e.g., on a roundabout
The new rules urge drivers and motorcyclists to provide top priority to bicyclists when coming down or out of a junction or changing lanes.
Drivers are also encouraged to stop and wait on a safe range between bicyclists at roundabouts or during slow-moving traffic.
What other driving laws are changing in 2022?
Other essential changes include clearer guidance for chauffeurs to leave a range of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists.
