New rules of the road introduced

Major changes to the Highway Code came into force on 29 January that are aimed at giving pedestrians and cyclists more protection from drivers

The new rules and changes to the Highway Code include the requirement for drivers to give way to pedestrians at a junction, as well as a new risk-based ‘hierarchy of road users’, which places more responsibility on the drivers of larger vehicles to look after more vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians.

The changes follow a public consultation to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses. It ran from July to October 2020, and received more than 20,000 responses. Most people who responded were in favour of all the changes.

There are eight key changes, the first being the new hierarchy of road users, which places road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. It does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.

It includes new rules such as when people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way. It also states that, if people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority.

There is also new guidance about routes shared by people walking, cycling and riding horses, and on where cyclists should position themselves on roads, at approaches to junctions and when riding in groups.

Other changes include a legal obligation for drivers to now leave at least 1.5 metres (5ft) when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and leaving even more space when overtaking at higher speeds. Drivers must now leave at least two metres (6.5ft) when passing people riding horses and when passing people walking in the road, for example where there’s no pavement.

The Highway Code also recommends drivers make use of the ‘Dutch Reach’ when leaving vehicles. They should open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening. For example, using their left hand to open a door on their right-hand side, making them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them. They’re then less likely to cause injury to people cycling or riding a motorcycle and people on the pavement.

 

Get MMM for just £29.99 a year!

MMM is Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more.

MMM’s fully searchable digital library gives you access to the latest issues, plus every edition of MMM since January 2012.

Subscribe today!  

Many of the new rules are legal requirements and, if drivers disobey these rules, they’re committing a criminal offence.

Expert motorhome advice to your door!

Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!

Want to know more about MMM magazine?

Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.

MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!

About MMM magazine  

Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?

Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.

About What Motorhome  

Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

About Campervan magazine  

Expert Caravan advice to your door!

Caravan magazine has been inspiring caravanners for more than 80 years! We have grown to become a leading authority on caravans, the caravan industry, caravan lifestyle, campsites and caravan travel destinations. We know what our readers want – and that's to make the most of their caravans and their holidays!

Want to know more about Caravan magazine?

About Caravan magazine