A number of changes to the Highway Code came into effect at the weekend.
The Code has been changed to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding
North Yorkshire Police have highlighted some of the major changes including:
- The Highway Code has been changed to introduce a hierarchy of road users. Irrespective of how you travel, those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.
- You now should give people crossing, or waiting to cross, and cycling straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions.
- You now should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph; and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
- When driving, you should now pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space.
- You should now allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing someone walking in the road.
- Car users should now open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder to see people walking or cycling behind them.
- People may cycle in the centre of the lane or two abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so.
The changes follow a public consultation on a review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses. It ran from July to October 2020, and received more than 20,000 responses from the public, businesses and other organisations. Most people who responded were in favour of all the changes.
The changes were made to The Highway Code on Saturday 29 January 2022. The new updates are advisory, so non-compliance will not result in a fine.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:
"I’m proud to say we have some of the safest roads in the world, but I’m determined to make them safer still for everyone.
These updates to The Highway Code will do just that by bringing the rules into the 21st century, encouraging people to respect and consider the needs of those around them, and ensuring all road-users know the rules of the road."
More information about the changes can be found here The Highway Code: 8 changes you need to know from 29 January 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The full Highway Code is available to read online here The Highway Code - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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