The next step

Further information about the Highway Code

[Weblink]

Tell staff about the new Highway Code rules

Road safety

In 2020 the Department for Transport (DfT) launched a public consultation to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

This has resulted in three new rules being added to the Highway Code . Several existing rules have also been amended.

Three key changes

The three new rules which came into effect on 29 January 2022, are:

• a new hierarchy of road users - this means that drivers of vehicles which can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision, e.g. HGVs, cars and motorcycles, bear the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger to other road users, e.g. cyclists and pedestrians. However, cyclists have an equal responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians
• a new priority for pedestrians at junctions - all road users must give way to pedestrians who are waiting to cross at a junction into which or from which they are turning. In addition, road users should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing (previously, they only had to give way if the pedestrian was on the crossing)
• a new priority for cyclists when vehicles are turning - drivers and motorcyclists should not cut across cyclists that are going ahead when they are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This applies whether the cyclist is using the road or a cycling lane.

Tip. Another minor rule change states that drivers should not flash their lights at pedestrians who are waiting to cross at a pedestrian crossing.

No information campaign

Although these three new rules are substantive changes, surprisingly, the DfT isn’t running any public information campaign. However, it’s important that your employees, particularly those who drive on work-related business, are aware of them for one simple reason: although the Highway Code is a set of advisory rules, it may be used in evidence in any criminal or civil court proceedings to establish fault and liability.

Not an excuse

Those who are involved in collisions and accidents can also be questioned by the police and courts about their knowledge and understanding of the Highway Code . Not knowing about a rule, or a change to a rule, could be extremely problematic - not just for the road user but for their, or their employer’s, insurers.

Tip. The Highway Code rules can be accessed online via the GOV.UK portal, but it’s probably worth giving all of your employees who drive on work-related business a hardcopy of the updated version - they can be purchased online for £2.50 per copy (see The next step ).

Tip. When you bring the new Highway Code rules to your employees’ attention, make it clear that the three new rules are mandatory with immediate effect. The police can also consider breaches of the Highway Code when determining whether or not a criminal offence has been committed.

For further information about the Highway Code, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone, year 24, issue 03.