2022 Highway Code changes

On the 29th of January rules for all road users were put into action to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses. Despite these new rules affecting all road users, a recent survey from YouGov revealed that many Britons not only didn’t know what the new changes were but even more shockingly didn’t know the changes were even happening!

The changes to the Highway Code aim to improve road safety for those most at risk in the event of a collision, for example pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. In order to do so there has been a shift in the hierarchy of road users, with those most vulnerable now at the top of the hierarchy.

Don’t worry we’re not going to outline the whole Highway Code but as it seems most people aren’t aware of the changes we have summarised some of the key changes that came into place on 29th January:

• Drivers no longer have priority at junctions. This means when people are waiting to cross at a junction, cars and other motorists should give way to those pedestrians.

• Cyclists must also give way to those walking or waiting to cross junctions.

• There is new guidance regarding cyclists road position. They must keep at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb while on busy roads. When cycling in slow moving traffic or approaching a junction cyclists may ride in the centre of the road.

• There is also new guidance on safe passing distances. When driving up to 30mph you must allow 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists. When driving at faster speeds you must give more space, around 2 metres.

• At roundabouts motorists must give way to cyclists, and must not try to overtake them on roundabouts.

• Off road guidance also explains that on routes and spaces where people are walking, walking and riding horses, they must all be wary of one another, for example not passing one another too fast.

You can find the full details of the changes here.