In early 2022, the Highway Code was subject to a series of changes giving both pedestrians and cyclists greater priority on the roads. Although the Highway Code is advisory and not underpinned by law, failure to comply could be used as evidence in any court proceedings should an issue arise. Changes were made to the Code in January 2022, drivers can view these changes online, however physical copies of the new rules are not expected to be printed until spring.

The IAM Roadsmart charity surveyed 1000 drivers and found that 20% of them were not aware of the changes, which now bear greater responsibility for car drivers.

So what are the changes?

Rule H1: New hierarchy of road users Drivers of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of HGVs, LGVs, cars/taxis, and motorcycles. Cyclists and horse riders likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Rule H2: 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 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 a parallel crossing.

Rule H3: 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 or 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.