Recent changes to The Highway Code: The new ‘hierarchy of road users’ as advised by The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

You are probably aware that at the beginning of last year, the rules for road users were updated within the The Highway Code specifically to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders using uk public roads.

‘The new road-users hierarchy’ provides that those driving vehicles which could potentially cause the most harm in the event of a collision, now bear a greater degree of responsibility to take extra care to reduce the additional danger they pose to other more vulnerable road users.

What do the new rules say ? 

(1) Pedestrians crossing the road at Junctions;

If pedestrians are waiting to cross the road at a junction, all other traffic  (including motorcycles and pedal cycles) must give way and allow any pedestrian waiting to cross the road to do so. If the pedestrian has already started to cross the road then the pedestrian will have right of way over vehicles and therefore all traffic must give way to them.

(2) Pedestrians, Cyclists or Horse Riders using a shared space;

Persons cycling, horse riding or driving a horse drawn cart in ‘shared spaces’ must now put the safety of pedestrians first – However, pedestrians obliged to ensure that they do not obstruct or endanger the other users of the ‘shared space’

(3) The positioning of cyclists on the road; 

Cyclists on public roads are now encouraged to position themselves in the centre of their lane on;

• Quiet roads

• When riding within slow-moving traffic

• When approaching junctions or were the road narrows

Where the traffic is fast moving then cyclists should endeavour to keep their cycle at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb edge.

Cyclists in large groups are allowed to ride two abreast, although they should be aware (at all times) of others driving behind them and move to a single file or stop to allow such vehicles to overtake.

(4) Overtaking when driving or cycling; 

If a cyclist or horse rider is moving slower than 10mph, then other vehicles are allowed to cross a central double white line to overtake them. Of course, a driver should not overtake without first ensuring that the overtaking manoeuvre can be completed safely and without causing risk or inconvenience to another road user.

When you overtake a vulnerable road users the rules require;

• Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph – with more space to be ‘provided’ at speeds greater than this. 

• Allowing 2 metres of space and not exceeding 10mph when actually passing horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles or pedestrians who are walking in the road (where there is no pavement)

(5) Cyclists at Junctions;

Cyclists wanting to turn right at a junction should first make themselves as visible as possible and avoid being overtaken (where this would be dangerous)

Cyclists going straight ahead at a junction, now have priority over traffic waiting to turn in or out of a side road – unless the road markings or traffic signs indicate to the contrary.

(6) Cyclists or horse riders negotiating roundabouts; 

Now have priority over vehicles and motorcycles. Vehicle drivers and motorcycles riders must not attempt to overtake cyclists and must allow cyclists to move across their path as the cyclist travels around the roundabout.

(7) Getting out of your vehicle; public electric charging of an EV. 

The Highway Code now recommends that all car drivers use the “Dutch Reach” action when opening vehicle doors to exit the vehicle. This entails using your left hand to open a door which is positioned to your right-hand side and your right hand to open a door which is positioned on your left hand side. 

• This is to encourage you to turn and turn over your shoulder when exiting the vehicle to ensure you are not about to open your door into a pedestrian, a cyclist or horse rider. (and obviously any other road user.)

• For those using public electric vehicle charging points then parking as close to the charge point as possible is required in order to avoid creating a trip hazard with charging cables (and displaying a warning sign if possible)

Finally, the DVSA advise that all vulnerable road users have a responsibility to reduce the danger they may potentially cause to pedestrians.

None of the above alleviates the responsibility (at all times) of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders to have regard for their own personal safety and also that of other road users.

For expert advice upon any motoring matter, contact our motoring department on 01606 592159 to arrange free initial telephone advice.