As you may be aware, on the 29th January 2022 the Highway Code rules are being revised and updated and it will be mandatory for all road users to be aware of the rules and to follow them. There will be a total of 8 new rules, along with 50 new guidelines. Keep reading to find out more about the new Highway Code rules 2022.
The hierarchy of road users in the new Highway Code rules has changed. Pedestrians are now at the top of the hierarchy list as they are the most vulnerable users of pavements and highways. It is a vehicle driver’s responsibility to ensure that they are not putting pedestrians at risk with their driving.
The new version of the Highway Code states that cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists are also part of the “vulnerable” group. It also suggests that “children, older adults and disabled people are more at risk”.
Why has this new rule been introduced?
This rule has been introduced because according to the Evening Standard, there have been figures released by the Department for Transport which shows 4,290 pedestrians and 4,700 cyclists were killed or seriously injured on UK roads dating from 2020 to June 2021.
These statistics show that the current Highway Code rules are not working to their best ability and new rules should be imposed to make British roads safer for more vulnerable groups.
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
Previously with the Highway code, motorists were given priority at a junction, so they had the right of way to use a junction over pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
The new rules now give pedestrians the right of way at junctions, meaning that motorists have to give priority to pedestrians at a junction to allow them to safely cross the road. Cyclists now have to give priority to pedestrians crossing or walking in a cycle lane.
Why has this new rule been introduced?
The rule has been introduced to keep pedestrians safe, as they have been identified as the most vulnerable group on the highways.
The new Highway Code rule is to ensure drivers give cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles priority at roundabouts. So drivers need to ensure the road user can safely enter and leave the roundabout and to allow the cyclists to change lanes safely. Drivers are also encouraged to stop and keep a safe distance from cyclists on roundabouts.
Basically, the new rule suggests that motorists need to be considerate towards cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles who are using roundabouts.
Why has this new rule been introduced?
The rule has been introduced to make roundabouts safer for cyclists and to reduce the number of accidents that cyclists are involved in on British roads.
Previously, there wasn’t a rule on where exactly cyclists should position themselves on the highways. The new Highway code from the government, rules states that cyclists should now cycle in the middle of the road in order to become more visible on the roads.
Cycles are encouraged to cycle 2-breast as it has been deemed safer, especially for those who are cycling with young people and children.
Drivers and cyclists need to take care when overtaking other road users, for example horse riders. The new rule according to gov.uk states:
The new Highway code will include advice for cyclists using junctions where signs and markings tell them to turn right in 2 stages. These are:
The new Highway code also clarifies that 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. Cyclists need to watch out for people driving intending to turn across their path, as people driving ahead may not be able to see them.
Source: Gov.uk
The new Highway Code implies that drivers who have parked their vehicles on a highway need to do the “Dutch Reach” when leaving vehicles. This is where a person leaves a vehicle by using their opposite hand on the side of their door to open the door. For example, use their left hand to open a right hand side door. This new move will make the person turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them. They’re then less likely to cause injury to:
Source: Gov.uk
For the first time, the Highway code will include guidance for using EV charging points.
When using one, people should:
If drivers fail to adhere to the new rules once they have been imposed, they face fines and points on their driving license.
Nine sections of The Highway Code will be updated, with 50 rules being added or updated.
You will be able to see a summary of all the changes in The Highway Code updates list on GOV.UK from 29 January 2022.
We hope you have enjoyed our article on the new Highway Code rules 2022, we cater our blogs to car enthusiasts and general car buyers. Stay tuned for more!
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
Replacing the cambelt in the right intervals is an essential step of responsible car maintenance. There can be a lot of work involved in this, which means it’s often one of the most expensive, too. When the time comes to get a quote for this service, you may wonder what a fair timing belt replacement […]
Growing environmental concerns resulted in the creation of low emissions zones in major cities across Europe, and London is no exception. Before you venture into England’s thriving capital, you should know if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant or not. This will allow you to plan alternatives, or budget accordingly. Today, we’ll explore what the ULEZ […]
Are you planning a big family vacation to Europe or another country? The process of hiring a car abroad has changed quite a bit for UK citizens after Brexit. UK travellers can benefit a lot from understanding the new car rental procedures overseas. That’s precisely what we’re going to do today. We’re about to share […]
Electric cars are getting more and more popular among car buyers in the UK. Whether you already own an EV or are planning to buy one, you might still be unsure as to how long does it take to charge an electric car. Don’t worry, we got your back. After reading this article, you’ll know […]
In the UK, any car that drives on public roads needs to pass an annual MOT test. The goal is to ensure it remains safe and compliant with regulations. So, knowing when you need to bring your car in for testing is essential to avoid hefty fines or penalties. If you recently bought a new […]
Nobody likes having car problems, and few things are more inconvenient than breaking down on the side of the road. Knowing what are the most reliable cars you can buy will help you make an informed decision and have a trouble-free experience. But how do you quantify reliability? Defects and failures are part of car […]
Keeping your car seats spotless is essential to conserve the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. Cleaning the seats can also improve your driving comfort by getting rid of stale odours, for example, to remove vape smell from the car. Are you looking for a practical, hands-on guide on how to clean car seats? […]
Insurance costs make up a significant part of car ownership expenses, especially for younger drivers. Choosing a car that is cheap to insure can lead to considerable savings in the long term. If you are a budget-conscious buyer and want to know what the best cheap cars to insure in the UK are, you have […]
Who isn’t worried that a thief may strike and deprive you of your pride and joy? No matter how much your car is worth, nobody wants the trouble of having their property stolen. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this, and that is to install a car tracker. These sophisticated devices aren’t just about theft […]
Whether you are a resident of the United Kingdom or visiting from abroad, renting a car is a great option to give you the freedom you need for your travels. While this is normally a simple process, young drivers looking to rent a car face a unique set of challenges before they can get behind […]
A semi-automatic car, also referred to as a semi-auto or an automated manual transmission (AMT) vehicle, merges the features of both manual and automatic transmissions. The unique aspect of semi-automatic cars is their ability to function like an automatic vehicle, while also offering the driver the option to manually change gears without the need for […]
Are you looking to supplement your income, pay off debt, or save for a big purchase? Your car might just hold the key to achieving those financial goals. There are many ways to earn money from your car besides working as a driver for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. In this article, we will […]
If you are planning to sell your car, the good news is that there are now more ways than ever before to advertise your vehicle online. From classified ads to social media, you have a lot of options to reach potential buyers and sell your car quickly. In today’s modern world, most car buyers have […]
If you’re looking to buy a car you’ve probably come across the term “hatchback” quite a few times which is often confused with other types of cars. So what exactly is a hatchback car? And how does it differ from other types of cars? Here’s everything you need to know. What is a Hatchback Vehicle? […]
If you’re in the market for buying or selling a used car, understanding car categories can be helpful. One such category is Cat D, or Category D, cars. These are vehicles that have been previously classified as “damaged” but have since been repaired and made roadworthy again. In this article, we’ll dive into the details […]
When it comes to purchasing a car, the outright cash purchase is merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of available finance options. In today’s market, car buyers are presented with an assortment of car finance solutions, each with its unique advantages and considerations. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a business owner in […]
When it comes to buying a used car, one of the most important factors is its mileage. Mileage refers to the distance that a vehicle has travelled since it was first manufactured. The lower the mileage, the newer and more reliable a car is presumed to be. But what exactly is considered good mileage for […]
A few years back diesel cars were the popular choice among car buyers, but recently in the past few years the scenario has changed. With stricter emission norms and increased environmental concerns, diesel cars are facing criticism and have been banned in many cities around the world. This has led many people to question whether […]
A crossover car, often seen as a perfect blend between a hatchback’s compactness and an SUV’s rugged capability, occupies a sweet spot in the automotive market. It’s designed for those who seek the comfort and efficiency of a smaller car, but crave the space and versatility typically found in something bigger. In this blog, we […]
During the unpredictable winter months driving on icy roads can be quite risky even for the most experienced drivers. The treacherously slick surfaces, the impaired visibility due to falling snow or fog, and the unpredictability of other road users all combine to create an environment that commands utmost respect and caution. The risks associated with […]