The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Highway Code, primarily aimed at protecting vulnerable road users.
The proposals follow an interim review of the Highway Code announced in October 2018, and while this is not a full revision, there is a heavy focus on clarifying existing rules and establishing guidance for improving the safety of cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians as well as children.
The main alterations to the code being proposed are:
- Introducing a hierarchy of road users which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
- Clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road
- Providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead
- Establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders
The consultation ends at midnight on 27 October 2020, with a summary of responses expected by the end of January 2021.
To find out more, including how to respond, click here.