Image: DfT
A majority of drivers have not read new guidance in the updated version of the Highway Code, designed to provide more protection for vulnerable road users.
Some 61% of respondents to an AA poll of 13,300 motorists said they had not read updates made in January, as reported on Yahoo News.
The Highway Code was updated in January 2022, with 50 rules added or amended.
The changes heralded the introduction of a ‘hierarchy of road-users’, with drivers charged with reducing the danger or threat they may pose to other road users including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
The new guidance also requires drivers to give way to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
Cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of lanes on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and when approaching junctions. Cyclists also have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.
According to Yahoo News, more than half (52%) of those questioned by the AA had heard about the new rules, but not studied them.
10% of drivers aged 18-54 were completely unaware of the updates, compared with 5% of those aged 55 and above.
When asked to identify five correct statements included in the updated Highway Code from a list of 10, the majority of respondents did so correctly.
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said: “For many the updated Highway Code formalises safe and sensible roadcraft, however we are concerned that so many still haven’t read the rules.
“While we are pleased that many of the changes can be successfully recalled, we’d like more drivers to know the rules outright so they can keep themselves and others safe.
“It is in everyone’s interest to take every measure that helps avoid collisions and remove confusion from the road, so we urge those that still haven’t read the updated Code to do so as soon as possible.”
In February 2022, THINK! launched an awareness campaign highlighting the changes to The Highway Code. The campaign includes a suite of resources available to help road safety teams communicate the changes.
I thought I was alone in this, until I read Christina’s comment. I can’t say I have read the entire HC recently, but I am acutely aware of Rule 64. My wife and I have had responses:
“I’ll break the fingers of anyone who gets in my way”
“I was doing less than 12 miles/hr” (from a policeman on a POLICE marked bicycle”)
“You didn’t get out of my way fast enough”
etc, etc.
I have written to my local paper on at least three occasions, pointing out that it is illegal to cycle on footways and footpaths in Scotland (there’s a useful reference under Rule 64), but contributions from elected members and police create the impression that neither knows what they should be doing. In fact, the local authority has encouraged cycling on footways by exhorting people to “share space” in adverts surrounding lampposts which are, of course, situated at the rear of the footway.
Another excuse is the (deliberate) misunderstanding of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act which requires local authorities to create “core paths” upon which cycling, walking and riding (really dangerous idea) are permitted.
You have my sympathy, Christina. I have written to my local authority (Stirling Council) requesting, amongst other things, details of the standards they are using, but am getting nowhere. Rather than discuss matters sensibly, they are insisting that I take my complaint (their interpretation of my correspondence) to the local authority Ombudsman (who, I believe is 11 months behind in his/her work)! (Perhaps not surprising). Makes me ashamed of having spent my working life in local government.
End of rant, but the battle goes on.
Ideas welcome.
Fraser Andrew, STIRLING
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ALL road users should be familiar with the highway code and should obey it. None of the cyclists I have spoken to over many years have shown any awareness of the Highway Code past or present. Responses I have received when I’ve quoted the Highway Code section 64 to pavement cyclists (along with their verbal abuse and threats) have included:
“I pay my Council tax so why shouldn’t I cycle on pavements.”
“The Highway Code changed in 1978 to allow cycling on pavements.”
“The Highway Code says it’s OK to cycle on the pavement if there’s an obstruction” – he nodded towards a bustop!
Regarding breaking the law by cycling without bike lights.:
“But I can see you; there’s street lights.”
I’t is not my bike.”
The police should enforce the Highway Code law on motorists and cyclists equally.
Here’s the link to section 64 of the Highway Code ie You MUST NOT cycle on the pavement”. That has not changed. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82
Christina Young, Liverpool
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