Highway Code Changes 2022
Have you seen in the news all the new Highway Code changes come into effect already this year?
Who struggles to keep up with what you can and cannot do on the roads these days?
As a business that works with cars, not only do we service and repair vehicles, but we also have a duty of care for all drivers. For this reason, we have scoured the world wide web and have compiled a list of all of the changes that have been introduced so far in 2022 and what will be issued in the months to come.
Cyclists and Pedestrians
In an effort to encourage people out of their cars and onto bikes or walking their journey, a new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ that prioritises vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians came into effect at the start of 2022.
The hierarchy has been split into three sections, H1, H2 and H3;
- Rule H1
‘Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles.”
This rule also states that cyclists and horse riders have a responsibility to look after pedestrians and that all road users have a responsibility to ensure their own safety, as well as that of others.
- Rule H2
Rule H2 is for drivers, motorbike riders, horse riders and cyclists: ‘At a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.’
Basically, this means if you are turning into a road and there is a pedestrian waiting to cross, you should give way to them. Cyclists also have to give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks.
- Rule H3
H3 is for the attention of drivers and motorcyclists: ‘You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane.’
You shouldn’t turn at a junction if doing so would cause a cyclist or horse rider to stop or swerve. Instead, you’re advised to wait for a safe gap before turning in.
Don’t look, talk to, smell or touch your mobile phone
….is what we advise to avoid any fines or points on your licence. The Highway Code rules are becoming tighter and tighter with regards to the use of mobiles phones whilst in the car – and rightly so. 17 people died in crashes involving drivers distracted by phones in 2020.
Since March 2022, new regulation was added to the Highway Code which states that if a driver even touches a phone, they could face a £200 fine.
PLUS, a person who isn’t even behind the wheel could also get fined for using a mobile phone. If they are supervising a driver who is learning and become distracted by the use of their mobile, a £1,000 fine and six points on their licence can be the end result.
Overtaking
You may cross a double white line, if necessary (provided the road is clear), to overtake someone cycling or riding a horse if they are travelling at 10 mph or less.
There is updated guidance on safe passing distances and speeds for people driving or riding a motorcycle when overtaking vulnerable road users, including:
- leaving at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
- passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space
- allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keeping to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement)
Wait behind them and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.
And one for the near future….
The Yellow box junction
From the 1st of June 2022, Councils in England will soon be able to enforce fines for ‘incorrect’ use of yellow box junctions.
The Department for Transport (DfT) will soon begin accepting applications from councils in England to issue fines for moving traffic offences. These include yellow box misuse, making an illegal turn or driving the wrong way down a one-way street, as part of efforts to promote cycling and walking.
The Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.”
There is so much to remember on the roads isn’t there?! Our summarised advice is, Always be careful and stay vigilant for yours and other road users’ safety.
For full details on all the updates and updates for the future, visit www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety