27/02/2023
The Highway Code, written by the Department for Transport, helps oversee a clear road use system in the UK. Most people will study The Highway Code as appropriate when taking their theory and practical driving tests. In most cases, the person will never revisit The Highway Code, and no laws mandate revision. For more seasoned drivers, it may be difficult to recall the content, leading to gaps in driver knowledge.
In January 2022, the government updated The Highway Code, following a public consultation in 2020 with 20,000 people about how they use the road. Overall, it was concluded that the rules should be made safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders.
Although road users are not legally required to study or revisit The Highway Code following their initial driving test, revisiting the content will likely benefit all road users, as they clearly understand their rights and where they stand when using the roads.
Changes to the Highway Code
The review led to multiple changes and updates that you can view here. Overall, the changes fall into eight main categories:
- A hierarchy of road users has been created to determine who should have priority.
- People crossing the road at a junction.
- Shared spaces and how to behave in them. For example, cyclists overtaking horse riders.
- Road positioning for cyclists.
- Overtaking whilst driving or cycling.
- Cycling at junctions.
- Cycling, horse riding or using horse-drawn vehicles at roundabouts.
- Parking, charging and leaving vehicles.
In general, The Highway Code helps to improve road safety. The updates have been implemented to help protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. Furthermore, it encourages drivers to be more considerate in how, when and why they use the roads, helping to reduce the rate of serious and fatal road accidents across the UK.
The Mayor of London has pledged various improvements to London roads and other road safety initiatives, aligning with The Highway Code update. We expect other major UK cities to follow suit in the coming years.
More Information
Compare The Market has recently published a guide on the update to The Highway Code, including information about:
- Drivers and cyclists
- Drivers and pedestrians
- Drivers and horse riders
- Accident information
- Other useful links
Road Traffic Accident Solicitors
Even the safest drivers risk being involved in a road traffic accident. And, despite recent updates to the rules and regulations surrounding road users, including improvements to The Highway Code, it is still possible to be involved in an accident.
At Russell & Russell, we understand that even the safest drivers sometimes are involved in accidents. Our professionalism, care and sensitivity allow us to understand your case and circumstances properly and provide relevant and specialist advice.
Russell & Russell offers a free no-obligation assessment of your case, where we will advise you on your chances of success.
Please get in touch with our solicitors for road traffic accidents today at 0800 731 7555 or fill in this contact form.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.