UNLESS you have recently taken or are about to take your driving test, you may not be aware that important updates to the Highway Code came into force this week.
Lauren Martin of Thatcher + Hallam Solicitors explains, “These changes to The Highway Code will impact almost everybody. One of the most significant changes is Rule H1, which sets out a hierarchy that is designed to protect the most vulnerable road users. The hierarchy means that pedestrians will now be the most protected for road use, as they are deemed the most vulnerable under the new rule.”
The main rule updates that go alongside the hierarchy are as follows:
Motor vehicle drivers no longer have priority at junctions.
This means horse riders, scooter users, cyclists and pedestrians have right of way over motorists. Likewise, cyclists and horse riders must give priority to pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction.
2. Cyclists, motorists and horse riders are required to stop for pedestrians at crossings.
The Code has been updated so cyclists, horse-riders and motorists are legally required to stop at zebra crossings if people are waiting to cross, not just if they are already crossing.
3. Cyclists can ride in the centre of the road where they feel they will be more visible.
Cyclists will be required to ride ‘no less’ than half a metre from the verge or kerb, or further ‘where it is safer’ to make themselves more visible. Cyclists are expected to pull to the left on quieter roads, in slower moving traffic and at busy junctions to maximise safer overtaking opportunities of motorist. Motorists must leave 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) space for speeds up to 30mph, more where the speed is higher.
4. Mobile phone usage laws have been significantly tightened, even if you are not moving but your engine is on.
Drivers will be prohibited from using their mobile phones whilst in a motor vehicle, and this includes taking photos, scrolling through playlists and playing games, even if the vehicle isn’t moving.
Mobile phones can be used for hands-free calls, payment at tolls or booths and satellite navigation however they’ll need to be securely fixed in the vehicle in a phone holder.
5. Finally, the ‘Dutch Reach’ has been added to The Highway Code.
The team at Thatcher + Hallam have been highlighting the importance of this method of opening car doors for a long time. It is a method of opening your car door with the hand furthest away from the door, so that your body naturally turns, meaning you can check behind you before opening it and exit your vehicle safely.
Lauren explained why the Dutch Reach has been introduced to The Highway Code. She said, “It is really important as cyclists, scooter users and even e-scooter users travel almost silently and sometimes at speed. If you fail to check before exiting your vehicle and cause any of these groups to collide with your open car door it will likely injure them and you will be responsible.”
Inevitably, there is going to be a time of confusion where those of us who passed our driving tests a long time ago are trying to get to grips with the new rules.
You can read detail of the updates to the Highway Code, as the updates come into force, at gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/updates. You can also visit an A-Z of topics covered by The Highway Code at gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/index
For more information on the services provided by Thatcher + Hallam please visit th-law.co.uk or call 01761 414646.
