Posted on Monday 31st January 2022
Road users in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being advised about important changes to the Highway Code which came into effect on 29th January 2022.
The changes are designed to better protect more vulnerable road users, people walking, cycling and riding horses and to help encourage more active modes of travel.
The revisions also follow Department for Transport research, suggesting that cycling has increased more in the last year than in the previous 20 years.
Nine sections of the Highway Code have been updated with 50 rules being changed.
Included is a ‘hierarchy of road users’ which puts people walking, cycling, riding horses and motorcycles (those most at risk in the event of a collision) at the top.
The Highway Code reminds all road users of their responsibility for the safety of others on the road.
The new code also offers guidance on safe distances and speeds for passing other road users, as well as ensuring that people cycling have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead.
Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership are now asking people to familiarise themselves with the new rules.
Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Helen Fisher, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire said:
“Keeping our roads safe remains a priority for the partnership and thankfully our roads continue to be amongst the safest in the country.
“These are significant changes to the Highway Code which now mean that road users who can do the greatest harm, i.e. those driving large vehicles, have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to other road users.
“It means that people walking, cycling and riding horses, who are the most vulnerable people on the roads, will now be better protected.
“During the pandemic we saw many more people opting for more active and greener modes of travel, such as walking and cycling and it’s something that we would like to see continue.
"Cycling and walking are great activities that help people keep fit and healthy, reduce congestion, as well as helping the environment.
"We’ve also seen the introduction of more cycle lanes and footpaths to encourage even more people to walk or cycle safely.
“I would urge all road users to familiarise themselves with the new rules and who has priority and when.”
Some of the main changes include:
- A new hierarchy of road users
- Other road users should give way to people waiting to cross at a junction
- People driving vehicles and riding motorcycles should leave at least 1.5 metres space when overtaking a person cycling and more if driving at over 30 miles per hour. When driving past people riding horses, speed should be under 10mph and at least 2 metres space allowed
- People cycling have priority when going straight ahead at a junction
- When getting out of a vehicle, people should open the door with the opposite hand (use their left hand to open a door on their right hand side). This makes them look over their shoulder to check for those riding on the road and people walking on the pavement before opening the car door.
People can read the new Highway Code here.