Highway Code Changes 2022

Have you seen the NEW Highway code changes that came into place from January 29th 2022??

The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users. It applies to England, Scotland and Wales. It is important that all road users are aware of The Highway Code and are considerate towards each other. Ultimately, knowing and applying The Highway Code will help keep our roads safe for everyone.

We are seeing record numbers of people taking up cycling and The Highway Code needs to keep pace with how people are using the roads. These changes to The Highway Code seek to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding and make active travel an attractive alternative to using the car. They will help to ensure that interactions between all road users are safe and respectful.

The main changes from 29th January 2022 include:

• A new hierarchy of road users has been introduced to ensure those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.
• Existing rules on pedestrian priority have been updated to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road.
• Guidance has been provided on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists when they are travelling straight ahead.
• Guidance has been established on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders.
These changes aim to reinforce what good road users already do. They do not just offer guidance on how we want users to behave. They signpost the kind of community we want to live in; towns cities and villages that are friendly and safe for people to ride, walk and wheel.

Please have a look at the following link that will give you more information on the 8 changes
GOV.UK – Highway code changes

Please stay safe and Drive to Arrive!

Stacey Moore
Community Safety Officer
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service