CHANGES to the Highway Code take effect from today with up to a third of motorists unaware.
Major changes to the Highway Code requiring drivers to have more responsibility to look out for cyclists and pedestrians risk failing to boost safety due to not being widely promoted, campaigners have warned.
Charity Cycling UK said that a “long-term and well-funded communications campaign” is needed to make people aware of the update.
The Highway Code, which contains advice and rules for people on Britain’s roads, is being amended this weekend to introduce a risk-based hierarchy of road users.
New Highway Code rules 2022 – test your knowledge
New Highway Code rules – what you need to know
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new as the rules of the roads receive an update.
Hierarchy of road users
A new hierarchy means people in charge of vehicles that can cause the most harm in the event of a collision have the greatest responsibility to look out for other road users.
Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces
Cyclists should not overtake people walking or riding a horse in shared spaces closely or at high speed, while pedestrians should take care not to obstruct paths.
Positioning of cyclists
Cyclists should make themselves as visible as possible by riding in the centre of lanes on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions.
Pedestrians crossing at junctions
Turning traffic should give way when people are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
Traffic must give way to people on zebra crossings.
Overtaking cyclists
Drivers travelling at speeds of up to 30mph should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists.
They should give more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
Opening car doors
Car occupants should open doors using their hand on the opposite side to the door, making them turn their head to look over their shoulder.
This technique, known as the Dutch Reach, reduces the chances of doors being opened into the path of cyclists and motorcyclists.
Overtaking cyclists at junctions
When cyclists are going straight ahead at a junction, they have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.
Cycling in groups
People cycling can ride two abreast but should be considerate of the needs of other road users when in groups.
Roundabouts
Drivers should take extra care when entering roundabouts to make sure they do not cut across cyclists.
Electric vehicle charging
Electric car owners using a public chargepoint should park near the device and avoid creating a trip hazard from trailing cables.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here