The highway code is changing. Following a review of the code and accidents that have occurred on our roads, it has been deemed necessary to put greater responsibility on the drivers of large passenger vehicles and HGVs.
A new hierarchy is being introduced putting those drivers of vehicles that can cause the most harm at the bottom of the pecking order and pedestrians and cyclists at the top.
The new highway code hierarchy:
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse Riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/Taxis
- Van/Minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles or courier vehicles like buses and HGVs
These changes to the highway code came into effect on the 29th January.
Priority at Junctions
When turning at a junction, the priority of road users has now changed. Any pedestrians crossing near a junction, or waiting to cross, now have priority over drivers, motorcyclists, and cyclists who are turning into that junction. Drivers should also give way to pedestrians waiting at a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting at a parallel crossing.
Priority has also changed for cyclist when vehicles are looking to turn, meaning drivers should not cut across cyclists, horse drawn carriages or horse riders. They should give way whether they are on the road, cycle lane or cycle track
Below shows the new priorities and it is thought that the highways agency will be enforcing these recent changes with no grace period.
