Image for Highway Code changes effective on 29 January 2022

Highway Code changes effective on 29 January 2022

Published Feb 09, 2022

Overview

There is a new hierarchy of road users as follows:

  • Pedestrians
  • Cyclists
  • Horse riders
  • Motorcyclists
  • Cars / taxis
  • Vans / minibuses
  • Large passenger vehicles / heavy goods vehicles

This hierarchy implies that those in accidents with more vulnerable road users – those at the top of the list – will be held responsible. Overall, there are eight new rules and 49 updates to existing rules.

The main changes include:

New priority for pedestrians at junctions – At a junction, drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross at a zebra crossing (currently you only have to give way if they’re already on the crossing) and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross at a parallel crossing.

New priority for cyclists when cars are turning – You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction, changing direction or lane. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them. Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve. You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.

New guidance on safe passing distances and speeds – Drivers must also give cyclists, horse riders and pedestrian as much as room as a car when overtaking; 1.5m for cyclists and 2m for horses.

Drivers will also be expected to drive under 10mph when passing horses and under 30mph when going past cyclists.

One slightly obscure guideline – Drivers will be encouraged to adopt the “Dutch Reach” method of door-opening, which requires you to use your opposite hand to open your car door when opening it into traffic, so you have to turn your body and head. That way you are more likely to see oncoming vehicles / cyclists before you open the door.

The Department of Transport has said the system will pave the way for a ‘more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use.’

Source: Miles Redhead