The Highway Code: Essential Changes You Need to Know from January 2022
A significant overhaul of the Highway Code has been in effect since 29th January 2022, aimed at enhancing the safety of the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. This marks one of the most comprehensive updates to the Highway Code in recent years.
As professional drivers, we carry a heightened responsibility to stay informed about the Highway Code. It is not only a guide to best practices for road safety but also a legal obligation under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to follow its rules.
The Highway Code is updated periodically, and it is essential to review these changes regularly to ensure compliance and maintain high safety standards.
In this guide, we outline some of the most significant updates to the Highway Code. These changes are designed to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all road users and to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. By staying informed, we can all contribute to safer roads and a more harmonious driving experience.
1. Hierarchy of road users
The ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ is a concept that places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. The hierarchy does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.
What does this mean for larger vehicles?
The new rule places more responsibility on truck and bus drivers. Our vehicles are capable of causing the greatest harm, so it is our greatest responsibility to minimise the danger they may pose to other road users.
2. People crossing the road at junctions
At a junction, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.
‘give way to pedestrians crossing’
As we can see in this picture, the vehicle is turning into a road while a pedestrian is ‘waiting’ to cross the road. The driver should give way to the road user before turning into the road.
This still applies if you are turning right or left into the junction.
3. Overtaking
Drivers overtaking more vulnerable road users should leave at least 1.5 metres (5ft) when travelling at speeds of up to 30mph.
More space should be given when driving at higher speeds.
At least two two-metre distances should be left when passing people walking on the road, such as when there is no pavement.
5. Positioning on the road when cycling
Cyclists should make themselves as visible as possible by riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in
slower-moving traffic, and when approaching junctions.
‘cyclists may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane..’
On narrow sections of road, on quiet roads or streets, at road junctions and in slower-moving traffic, cyclists may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane, rather than towards the side of the road. It can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast in these situations.
The Highway code also states that ‘People cycling are asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when it’s safe to do so.’
6. Opening car doors- the ‘Dutch Reach’
Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder.
‘open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening..’
You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement. Drivers and passengers must adhere to this new rule to protect cyclists.
*The new rule can see drivers fined £1000 if they open the door with the wrong hand
Find out about all the changes
In total, 10 sections of The Highway Code have been updated, with 50 rules being added or updated.
The Highway Code is always available for free on the Government website here.
Final comment
Just remember every road user has a responsibility to have an understanding of the Highway Code.
We discuss in more detail the updates in our Driver CPC courses.
Vincent Winfield
Executive Director of NationalCPC
