NG8 March/April 2022
Local business directory and community magazine
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new highway code rules for <strong>2022</strong><br />
Courtesy of Link Magazines<br />
The Highway Code has received a refresh, with<br />
a new set of rules coming into force from 29th<br />
January <strong>2022</strong>. As well as some 49 existing laws<br />
having been updated, new rules will be introduced.<br />
The changes are extensive and further information<br />
is available on the website link located at the<br />
bottom of this article. However, the key areas are<br />
summarised below.<br />
Hierarchy of road users<br />
Previously The Highway Code stated all road users<br />
should be considerate towards each other, applying<br />
this principle to pedestrians and drivers equally. It<br />
meant that equal responsibility was originally placed<br />
on all road users for assuring the safety of others.<br />
The new hierarchy places responsibility on road<br />
users who could do greatest harm to others, and it<br />
is with them that the greatest obligation to protect<br />
the most vulnerable on the road now lies. Top of<br />
the hierarchy are lorry drivers, cars, vans, buses and<br />
motorcycles. But it should be noted that cyclists,<br />
horse riders and horse-drawn carriage drivers have<br />
a greater responsibility to reduce the danger posed<br />
to pedestrians.<br />
Pedestrian priorities at junctions<br />
Prior to the rule change, road users would have given<br />
way to pedestrians who have started to cross the<br />
road into which they are turning.<br />
Under the new rules priority must be given to<br />
pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road, which<br />
means that if you are about to turn into a road and a<br />
pedestrian is waiting to cross, you should give way.<br />
New rule for drivers and motorcyclists at junctions<br />
The new rule states that when turning into or out of<br />
a junction, drivers should not cut across the path of<br />
any other road user, including cyclists, horse riders<br />
or horse-drawn vehicles, if doing so would cause the<br />
other road-user to slow down, stop or swerve.<br />
Safe passing distances<br />
An amendment to existing Rule 163 sets out safe<br />
passing distances for drivers when overtaking<br />
cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and those in<br />
horse-drawn carriages.<br />
Drivers must give at least a 1.5 metre space when<br />
overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph. More<br />
space should be allowed when overtaking at speeds<br />
of more than 30mph. Rule 72 establishes the right<br />
for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane, to<br />
ensure that they remain visible.<br />
When passing a pedestrian who is walking in the<br />
road, drivers should allow at least two metres of<br />
space and maintain a low speed.<br />
Rule 213 has also changed and now states that on<br />
narrow sections of roads, horse riders may ride in<br />
the centre of the lane and drivers should allow them<br />
to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see<br />
and be seen. Drivers should pass a horse at least 2<br />
metres distance and at a slow speed.<br />
In all cases, drivers will now have to wait behind<br />
a motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse-drawn<br />
vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe<br />
or not possible to meet these clearances. Extra<br />
care should be taken in poor weather, including high<br />
winds.<br />
For a more in-depth look at the new rules, visit:<br />
www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-<br />
code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-<br />
january-<strong>2022</strong><br />
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