‘Unknown’ pedestrian Highway Code rule dangers touchdown drivers with hefty fines and factors

Changes were made four years ago – but the Department for Transport this week admitted many motorists are ignorant – putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk

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Drivers are unaware of breaking a driving law by not giving pedestrians priority at junctions – and also cyclists at islands – meaning they could be putting other road users at risk and be at risk of big fines. A change to the Highway Code in 2022 means drivers should stop for people waiting to cross – not just those already crossing.

The Department for Tranport this week confirmed concerns and said it was carrying out a new campaign this year to try to educate drivers. Major Highway Code changes introduced in January 2022 established a “hierarchy of road users,” placing greater responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders.

Drivers and cyclists must now give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which they are turning. Motorists must give priority to people cycling on roundabouts, and should not attempt to overtake them within their lane.

When overtaking cyclists or horse riders, drivers must leave at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) space at speeds up to 30 mph, and 2 meters (6.5 feet) for horse riders at higher speeds.

In a new parliamentary written question Liberal Democrat Claire Young asked Transport Secretary of State Heidi Alexander: “With reference to the Road Safety Strategy, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of launching a public information campaign to raise awareness of recent changes to the Highway Code.”

Parliamentary under-secretary for transport Lillian Greenwood admitted more work was needed with plans to be announced. She said: “Following updates to the Highway Code in 2022, the department ran large-scale THINK! advertising campaigns to raise awareness of the changes.

“Via the THINK! campaign, we are also running year-round radio filler adverts encouraging compliance with the guidance to improve safety for those walking, cycling and horse riding. We will also continue to promote the changes via THINK! and Department for Transport social media channels, as well as through partner organisations.

“However, as set out in the Road Safety Strategy, more work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course.”

Other changes to the Highways Code

• Drivers and passengers are advised to open vehicle doors with the hand farthest from the door (e.g., left hand for driver) to force a shoulder check for passing cyclists.
• Mobile Phone Ban: It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone for any action (taking photos, selecting music) while driving, not just calling or texting.
• Zebra and Parallel Crossings: Drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to both pedestrians and cyclists using a parallel crossing.
• Cyclist Positioning: Cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of the lane on quiet roads, in slower traffic, and at the approach to junctions to increase visibility.

A recent RAC study found many motorists were not aware of the changes. Highway Code Rule 170 states drivers should give way to pedestrians when turning in or out of junctions, less than a quarter (23%) of drivers say they always do. Nearly half (48%) say they give way most of the time but, a fifth (19%) admit they don’t stop very often while 6% never do.

When the same pool of respondents were asked if, as pedestrians, they notice other drivers stopping to give way, just 2% said they see others stop all the time, while two-thirds (65%) said drivers rarely or never stop for them.

The study took place in 2024 – two years after the change. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Part of the reason may be that drivers simply don’t know that the changes have been made, least of all the consequences of ignoring them. Most drivers probably rarely refer to the Highway Code once they’ve passed their tests, and that’s where the problem could lie. We urge motorists to take another close look at the changes – either by visiting the Highway Code or RAC websites, or by picking up a printed copy. We’d also urge the Government to make another concerted effort in communicating the changes to all road users.”

Data from the Government’s latest road casualty statistics found that 30% of pedestrian fatalities occur at a junction, compared to 39% of serious injuries.