Highway Code Update

You may be aware that there have been a number of changes to the Highway Code recently – there has certainly been a lot of “debate” arising from them!!! But, whether you agree with the changes or not, they are now with us, and must be followed.

The changes are underwritten by the principal that the vehicle which is likely to cause the greatest damage in an accident carries the greatest responsibility to guard against it. This has created a new “hierarchy” of road users from the largest HGVs down to pedestrians.

The majority of the changes relate to who has priority in given circumstances, for example pedestrians crossing roads.

There are 33 changes to existing rules and 2 new rules, and, very few user friendly online resources to look at which explain them. Avoid all ranty facebook posts, etc – they are almost inevitably wrong!!

This site explains the major changes – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-january-2022 and does signpost to other less user friendly pages. Similarly the Highway Code Facebook page (yes there is one) has various posts and links https://www.facebook.com/HighwayCodeGB/

If you are a road user you must keep up to date with the Highway Code and it’s rules. The fact that you have not, is no defence either in criminal or civil law, and these rules do inform the likely outcome of court proceedings.