Do you understand 2022’s changes to the Highway Code?

The Highway Code is one of the most important resources for road users. It includes rules for everyone to maximise safety. In 2022 there was one of the biggest ever updates. There were 8 new rules and amendments to 49 others. They are having a big impact on how people use the roads and traffic control.

However, even after over a year since the changes, some people still don't understand the rules. With that in mind, we want to have a quick look at some of the main points.

Boosting safety with a hierarchy

The biggest change is the brand new Rule H1. What it does is establish that the greatest level of responsibility is with people in charge of vehicles that can do the most harm. So, it creates a hierarchy. This is:

Pedestrians - Cyclists and horse riders - Motorcycle riders, car drivers, vans and minibuses, and large goods or passenger vehicles

At the same time, all road users are still responsible for maintaining their own safety and that of others.

Who has priority at junctions?

H2 changes the rules to give priority to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross a road that other road users are turning into or out of. As a result, drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders should all give way. It will have an impact on traffic control.

The rule also specifies what horse riders should do at crossings. They must give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings. At parallel crossings they must give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

H3 is also important for drivers and motorcyclists. Specifically, it means they should not cut across when changing lane or direction or moving from or into a junction. As a result, it gives cyclists and horse riders the same protection as other vehicles.

Big changes for cyclists

A number of the new rules and amendments focus on cyclists. Of these, Rule 63 is one of the most important. It emphasises the need to take care and slow down when passing pedestrians and horse riders.

The new rule 72 specifies two positions cyclists should take. Firstly, they should ride in the centre of the lane to ensure they are as visible as possible. However, they must allow vehicles to overtake when it is safe to do so. Secondly, on busy roads with fast moving vehicles, remain at least 0.5m from the kerb edge. Again allow overtaking when it is safe.

In addition, there is a new rule 76 for travelling straight on at a junction. Here cyclists have priority over other traffic waiting to turn into or out of side roads. The only exceptions are if road markings or signs say otherwise.

Talk to us if you need help with traffic control

It is important for all road users to check the Highway Code regularly to ensure they are following the rules. If you have responsibility for private roads or other areas where vehicles and pedestrians are moving around, it is also important to think about safety. Barrier Mart can help with this, offering a number of useful products, installation, and more.

One thing we excel at is traffic control. It is vital for safety, particularly when it comes to separating traffic, assigning priority, and also making drivers adhere to speed limits. Clients can choose our products to help with all of these things. So, browse our website today or contact us for recommendations.