What’s new in the Highway Code in 2022?

Get ready, because on January 29th 2022, a new version of the trusty Highway Code will be introduced to UK road users. Whether we’re cyclists, pedestrians or motorists, it’s vital that we’re all familiar with the new changes to keep everyone safe and to stay on the right side of the law. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the key updates to the Highway Code that will be introduced. 

What are the new updates? 

There are quite a few amendments and tweaks being brought in to the new Highway Code – too many to cover here, which is why it’s important you read the new document for yourself. 

However, let’s take you through the biggest changes in this article. 

• New hierarchy of road users

  Under the reviewed rules, the Highway Code wants to ensure that those who are using the road and who have the potential to cause the greatest harm, are in fact taking the most responsibility to make changes to reduce this harm. This doesn’t mean to say that priority should always be given to the more vulnerable cyclists and pedestrians, for example, but rather that greater awareness and mutual respect should be awarded in consideration to this new hierarchy, which generally goes from most responsibility to least: HGVs, LGVs, cars, motorbikes, cyclists/horse riders and then finally pedestrians. However, this does not diminish anybody’s responsibility to be a safe road user.  

• Pedestrian priority

  Previously, the Highway Code said that pedestrians had right of way only if they were already walking across a crossing. Now, the new update states that pedestrians have the right of way if they are simply waiting to cross at a zebra crossing or parallel crossing, in cases when a motorist or cyclist is turning from or into a junction. The same rule applies to motorists with regards to cyclists who are waiting to cross parallel crossings. 

• Cyclists and horse riders

  When you are turning into or out of a junction, or are changing lanes or directions, you are now no longer allowed to cut across cyclists or horse riders up ahead, just in the same way it is discouraged to cut across other motorists. Instead, you should give way and this advice applies even if the cyclist is on the road or in a cycle lane. 

• Passing distances

  Check the new Highway Code, as it now covers more specific guidelines on passing and overtaking distances in relation to certain speeds and circumstances, for example, when overtaking a horse or cyclist – so it is definitely worth familiarising yourself with the new information. 

When do these new updates come into force? 

The new rules will be introduced from the 29th of January 2022, so make sure you’re familiar with how the changes could affect you and your driving. 

Here at Mr Tyre, we’re the leading chain of autocentres for Central England. We keep your vehicle in a roadworthy and safe condition thanks to our friendly, affordable services. Simply drop by your local branch or give us a call today – we’re always glad to help get you back on the road.