NG4 March/April 2022

new highway code rules for 2022
Courtesy of Link Magazines
The Highway Code has received a refresh, with
a new set of rules coming into force from 29th
January 2022. As well as some 49 existing laws
having been updated, new rules will be introduced.
The changes are extensive and further information
is available on the website link located at the
bottom of this article. However, the key areas are
summarised below.
Hierarchy of road users
Previously The Highway Code stated all road users
should be considerate towards each other, applying
this principle to pedestrians and drivers equally. It
meant that equal responsibility was originally placed
on all road users for assuring the safety of others.
The new hierarchy places responsibility on road
users who could do greatest harm to others, and it
is with them that the greatest obligation to protect
the most vulnerable on the road now lies. Top of
the hierarchy are lorry drivers, cars, vans, buses and
motorcycles. But it should be noted that cyclists,
horse riders and horse-drawn carriage drivers have
a greater responsibility to reduce the danger posed
to pedestrians.
Pedestrian priorities at junctions
Prior to the rule change, road users would have given
way to pedestrians who have started to cross the
road into which they are turning.
Under the new rules priority must be given to
pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road, which
means that if you are about to turn into a road and a
pedestrian is waiting to cross, you should give way.
New rule for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions
The new rule states that when turning into or out of
a junction, drivers should not cut across the path of
any other road user, including cyclists, horse riders
or horse-drawn vehicles, if doing so would cause the
other road-user to slow down, stop or swerve.
Safe passing distances
An amendment to existing Rule 163 sets out safe
passing distances for drivers when overtaking
cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and those in
horse-drawn carriages.
Drivers must give at least a 1.5 metre space when
overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph. More
space should be allowed when overtaking at speeds
of more than 30mph. Rule 72 establishes the right
for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane, to
ensure that they remain visible.
When passing a pedestrian who is walking in the
road, drivers should allow at least two metres of
space and maintain a low speed.
Rule 213 has also changed and now states that on
narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in
the centre of the lane and drivers should allow them
to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see
and be seen. Drivers should pass a horse at least 2
metres distance and at a slow speed.
In all cases, drivers will now have to wait behind
a motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse-drawn
vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe
or not possible to meet these clearances. Extra
care should be taken in poor weather, including high
winds.
For a more in-depth look at the new rules, visit:
www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-
code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-
january-2022
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