Cyclists and pedestrians could be given right of way over cars
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Last updated 10th Aug 2021
The UK's Highway Code is set to undergo a re-vamp that would give pedestrians and cyclists priority over cars and other vehicles in a number of key circumstances.
The changes - which come as part of the government’s new £338 million fund to boost cycling and walking - intends to help accommodate and maintain the increase in active travel during the pandemic.
A proposed “hierarchy of road users” will ensure the more high-risk modes of transport have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to others.
This could have significant ramifications in future court cases involving motorists hitting cyclists and pedestrians.
The new Highway Code, subject to approval from parliament when MPs return from summer break, will introduce strengthened pedestrian priority on sidewalks and when they are crossing or waiting to cross a road.
It will also suggest that cyclists traveling straight ahead should have priority over motorists at junctions.
The RAC have welcomed the proposed changes.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:
“These proposals should make cycling and walking safer, and this is to be welcomed. A concerted effort must now be made to communicate the changes to drivers because as we know, many do not read the Highway Code for long periods after passing their test.
“Ultimately, the aim should be to ensure that everyone using the roads understands the new rules, because any confusion is likely to lead to avoidable collisions.”
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