An update to The Highway Code has introduced a hierarchy of road users, which creates ‘clearer and stronger priorities’ for pedestrians.
Changes to the Highway Code will mean drivers will need to give way to pedestrians at a junction, while cyclists must give way to people using a shared-use cycle track.
So we have 3 new rules I have listed them below.
Rule H1: hierarchy of road users
The first (and most significant) rule in the refreshed The Highway Code sets out the hierarchy of road users. Road users who can do the greatest harm (those driving large vehicles) have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to other road users.
Pedestrians (children, older adults and disabled people in particular) are identified as ‘the most likely to be injured in the event of a collision’.
Here’s a look at what the hierarchy of road users looks like:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles
As you can see, cyclists and horse riders will also have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. Even so, the updated The Highway Code emphasises that pedestrians themselves still need to consider the safety of other road users.
The Department for Transport says this system will pave the way for a ‘more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use’.
Rule H2: clearer and stronger priorities for pedestrians
This rule is aimed at drivers, motorists, horse riders and cyclists. The Highway Code now states clearly that, at a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you’re turning into. Previously, vehicles had priority at a junction.
Drivers should also give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing (a combined pedestrian and cycle crossing).
Meanwhile, cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, and are reminded that only pedestrians (including those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters) can use the pavement.
Pedestrians are allowed to use cycle tracks unless there’s a road sign nearby that says doing so is prohibited.
Rule H3: drivers to give priority to cyclists in certain situations
The updated The Highway Code urges drivers and motorcyclists not to cut across cyclists when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This rule applies whether the cyclist ahead is using a cycle lane, a cycle track or simply riding on the road ahead.
Drivers are meant to stop and wait for a safe gap when cyclists are:
- Approaching, passing or moving away from a junction
- Moving past or waiting alongside still or slow-moving traffic
- Travelling on a roundabout
The Department for Transport claims that the changes, which are split into three main rules, ultimately aim to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The changes are due to come into force on 29 January.