On Saturday 29th January 2022, the latest changes to the Highway Code came into force, and there are many new rules we must all adhere to in order to comply with the law and keep everyone safe, plus to avoid hefty fines, points on your driving licence and even imprisonment!
So here at QHS we ensured that all of our staff were fully briefed ahead of time about the following important changes that have been in place ever so they can make sure they drive safely and in accordance with the new rules. We also dedicated a page in our first quarterly internal staff newsletter of 2022 to reminding all staff about the major changes. This has helped make sure they and all others they come into contact with will stay as safe as possible. We monitor our engineers driving performance using Lightfoot telematics to further ensure their and other road users safety in the course of their work.
In addition, here at QHS we thought you’d actually like to know what the key changes are and how they will affect you (if you have not yet been fully informed as to their potential impact on you, pedestrians and other road users), so you can help keep yourself, your loved ones, friends and work colleagues informed, safer and road legal.
The updated Highway Code that came into effect on 29th January introduced a new “hierarchy of road users” which was intended to have a clearer and stronger priority for pedestrians. The aim of these new rules ultimately is to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
So how will The Highway Code change?
Since 29th January 2022 drivers of large passenger vehicles and HGVs now have “the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger posed to other road users”, but so in effect with all road users, with all vehicle drivers increased legal liabilities.
The new hierarchy of road users
Vehicle drivers who can do the greatest harm (those at the wheel of large vehicles) now have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to us and other road users.
Pedestrians (particularly children, older adults and disabled people) are identified as “the most likely to be injured in the event of a collision.”
So, the new hierarchy is as follows in order of highest priority to lowest priority: Pedestrians, Cyclists, Horse Riders, Motorcyclists, Cars/Taxis, Vans/Minibuses, Large Passenger Vehicles/Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Likewise, cyclists and horse riders now also have their own responsibilities to reduce danger to pedestrians, although the new Highway Code emphasises that pedestrians themselves also now have the responsibility to consider the safety of other road users.
The over-arching principle in the new rules are clearer and stronger priorities for pedestrians. Primarily this new rule is aimed at drivers, motorists, horse riders and cyclists. The new Highway Code sets out that, at a junction, drivers should now give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that they themselves are turning into. Previously, vehicles had priority at a junction.
Drivers should also give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing. Similarly, cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks, and the new Highway Code reminds us all that only pedestrians (including those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters) can use the pavement. Pedestrians are however allowed to use cycle tracks unless there’s a road sign nearby that says doing so is prohibited.
The updated Highway Code implores drivers and motorcyclists not to cut across cyclists when turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane. This rule applies whether the cyclist ahead is using a cycle lane or a cycle track or they are simply riding on the road ahead. Vehicle drivers are meant to stop and wait for a safe gap when cyclists are approaching, passing or moving away from a junction. Those behind the wheel also need to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, and to give more space when travelling at higher speeds.
At present it is illegal to text or call on your mobile phone while driving, but in an effort to clamp down on mobile phone use in vehicles it is now also an offence to take photos and videos, select a song on your playlist and play games on your phone while driving. This will even be in-force if you have come to a halt at a red light. If you do not obey this rule, you could be hit with a £200 fixed penalty and six points on your licence.
“Dutch reach”
Even how ALL vehicle users (including passengers) are “allowed” to open their doors is changing as part of the new rules. Drivers will now be expected not to reply on their mirrors and to open their doors with their left hands to protect cyclists and pedestrians. Likewise all vehicle passengers must use their hand which is furthest from the door to open the vehicle's door to make them more aware of cyclists, scooter riders, motorcyclists, prams, disabled persons and pedestrians. There is a concern that the vast majority of drivers and passengers are still to this day unaware of this change, which is known as the “Dutch Reach”. This new rule is hoping to encourage drivers to reach for their door with their left hand. This should make the motorist swivel and turn their head enabling them to check their blind spot. It is hoped this will reduce the likelihood of opening a door on a cyclist who is passing. Drivers need to open the door slowly and exit their car facing the traffic. Similar rules now apply to passengers.
And finally did you know that any properties which are built in England from now on will have to have an EV (Electric Vehicle) charging point installed. This will include all housing and commercial buildings and the government hopes it will boost the uptake of electrical cars. The new code reminds electric vehicle owners that the charging cables for their cars can present a trip hazard for pedestrians.
Click Here If you would like to view ALL the changes in detail, and how they differ from the old Highway Code