New changes to the Highway Code give more priority to pedestrians over cars at junctions and crossings. Cyclists will also have priority when travelling straight ahead at junctions.
Currently, the code rules motorists only have to give way to a pedestrian when they step onto the crossing.
Meanwhile, a “hierarchy of road users” will place higher responsibility for safety on more dangerous modes of transport.
The number of miles cycled on British roads last year increased by nearly 46% to five billion. This is a bigger rise than in all the previous 20 years put together. This surge is a result of the Covid pandemic where people went out walking and cycling more as other facilities temporarily closed.
The Department for Transport (DfT) hopes the changes will help sustain the increased amount of active travel. They are also investing an extra £338 million on plans to boost cycling and walking. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is keen to keep the trend going by making the activities easier and safer. It will keep people fit, reduce congestion on the roads, and help the environment.
The Highway Code’s new changes are due in autumn, and will apply to England, Scotland and Wales, while Northern Ireland has its own rules.
Redressing the balance of responsibility
The DfT say the code’s new hierarchy of road users will ensure “road users who can do the greatest harm”, such as those in motorised vehicles, “have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others”.
The charity Living Streets, who campaign for more walkable towns and cities, welcome the changes. Their interim chief executive, Stephen Edwards, says the changes to the Highway Code will redress the balance of responsibility. Currently, children walking to school and lorry drivers are treated as equally responsible for their own or other people’s safety.
Pedestrians are the least dangerous road users but are often the ones who end up “paying the price” of other people’s actions.
Mr Edwards believes the changes will benefit everyone as we all walk at some times, even if we still drive or cycle at others.
The DfT say the updates to the code strengthen the priority of pedestrians on pavements and when crossing roads or waiting to cross.
A change of priorities
The current code dictates that traffic only has to give way to a pedestrian at a zebra crossing when they move onto it. Meanwhile, pedestrians are told not to start crossing until vehicles on the road have stopped. Also, under the existing code, drivers are told to give way to pedestrians when turning into a road junction “if they have started to cross”.
As well as new rules regarding walkers, the updated code will offer guidance and safe distances and speeds for passing cyclists. It will also ensure that riders travelling straight ahead at junctions have priority.
Additional funding from the government will pay for hundreds of miles of high quality cycle lanes. This will include making improvements across the National Cycle Network. Money will also go towards new programmes to encourage walking.
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