2022 brings some changes to the Highway Code that drivers should be aware of.
These changes are designed to clarify some rules around overtaking, and around cyclists and pedestrians, and it’s worth reading up on them to make sure your knowledge is up to date.
The full list of changes can be found here.
Hierarchy of Road Users
The Hierarchy of Road Users is the rule we all need to be aware of. It is split into 3 sections, H1, H2, and H3, and today we’ll review the changes to give you a run down of what you need to know.
Rule H1
Rule H1 states that “those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to other road users. The objective of the hierarchy is not to give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in every situation, but rather to ensure a more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users”.
This means larger vehicles have more responsibility when driving, vans and larger vehicles especially.
Rule H2
Rule H2 was implemented to “create clearer and stronger priorities for pedestrians, particularly at junctions, and clarify where pedestrians have right of way.”
From the start of 2022, drivers are expected to give way to pedestrians if they are crossing the road at a junction. This is phrased differently to zebra crossings, where drivers must give way, but the generally tone is the same.
Rule H3
Rule H3 states that you cannot cut in front of cyclists or horse riders to turn into a junction. Instead, you must allow them to pass the junction and wait for a safe gap before turning.
Clarifications
The new rules have been brought in to clarify situations where the previous rules were not clear enough.
Some additional changes have been made to the Highway Code, which can be found on the Government website.
Drivers, especially van drivers, have greater responsibility since they are driving larger vehicles, and so must be doubly aware on the roads. Remember to take these new changes into account the next time you are driving.
