Changes to the Highway Code

A glance at the new changes coming to the Highway Code from the end of January 2022

On January 29th 2022, the Highway Code is changing, and its a pretty major change. Oddly, the government are not seeing it important to push the advertising of the changes. Given how close its change date is, it may lead to some issues and safety concerns.

what’s changing?

The main change is the introduction of two hierarchical tiers;

  • H1 looks at the vulnerability of the road user; so has pedestrians at the top as most vulnerable and big HGVs and buses at the bottom as least vulnerable
  • H2 looks at the responsibility of road users who can cause more damage in a collision; so has big HGVs and buses at the top as most likely to cause serious damage and harm, and pedestrians at the bottom as least likely to cause harm to other roads users.

The graphic above highlights to us the main point of confusion when new rules are introduced. Vehicles turning into and out of junctions should now give way to pedestrians wanting to cross, instead of those already in the road. This means better planning required from the lead approaching vehicle. This will give more time to see any pedestrians and deal with appropriately. The following vehicle also needs to be aware and plan effectively. If the car in front reacts for any reason, they are able to avoid the collision.

We also noticed a new phrasing for a crossing – a parallel crossing. It took some reading to find the Highway Code is now referring to pedestrian refuge islands as parallel crossings. This is important as this pedestrians are now given more priority at this type of crossing.

still confused…..

If anyone wants any of the Highway Codes changes 2022 clarifying, get in touch. Some of the new rules are confusing so we’re happy to help. Feel free to drop us a message via our social media page or contact us via our contact page

Alternatively, click the following link to take you to the full official upload issued by Gov.uk

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