Drivers across the UK are at risk of incurring substantial fines and penalty points due to widespread ignorance of a critical Highway Code rule introduced four years ago. The Department for Transport has this week acknowledged that many motorists remain unaware of the change, potentially endangering pedestrians and cyclists on the roads.
Key Changes to Pedestrian and Cyclist Priority
In January 2022, major revisions to the Highway Code established a "hierarchy of road users," placing greater responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles to protect vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. A pivotal update mandates that drivers must now give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which they are turning. This rule extends to cyclists at roundabouts, where motorists must grant priority and avoid overtaking within the same lane.
Specific Safety Measures and Distances
When overtaking cyclists or horse riders, drivers are required to leave a minimum distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) at speeds up to 30 mph, increasing to 2 meters (6.5 feet) for horse riders at higher speeds. These measures aim to enhance safety for all road users, yet compliance remains low due to a lack of awareness.
Government Response and Awareness Campaigns
In response to concerns raised in a parliamentary written question by Liberal Democrat Claire Young, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport Lillian Greenwood admitted that more work is needed to embed these changes. She highlighted that the Department for Transport has previously run large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns and continues to promote the updates through radio adverts and social media channels. However, Greenwood confirmed plans for a new campaign this year to further educate drivers, with details to be announced shortly.
Additional Highway Code Updates
Other significant changes include:
- Door Opening Technique: Drivers and passengers are advised to use the hand farthest from the door to force a shoulder check for passing cyclists.
- Mobile Phone Ban: It is now illegal to use a handheld mobile phone for any action while driving, including taking photos or selecting music.
- Crossing Rules: Drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting at zebra crossings and to both pedestrians and cyclists at parallel crossings.
- Cyclist Positioning: Cyclists are encouraged to ride in the centre of the lane on quiet roads and at junctions to improve visibility.
Alarming Statistics from Recent Studies
A 2024 RAC study revealed that less than a quarter (23%) of drivers always comply with Highway Code Rule 170, which requires giving way to pedestrians at junctions. Nearly half (48%) do so most of the time, but a concerning 19% admit to stopping rarely, and 6% never stop. When asked as pedestrians, only 2% reported seeing drivers stop all the time, with two-thirds (65%) stating that drivers rarely or never yield to them.
Expert Commentary and Calls for Action
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis emphasized that many drivers may not know about the changes or their consequences. He urged motorists to revisit the Highway Code via official websites or printed copies and called on the government to intensify communication efforts to all road users. This lack of awareness underscores the urgent need for ongoing education to prevent accidents and legal penalties.
