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Do you know the new Highway Code rules?

From Saturday 29 January, cars will be required to give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at a junction.

The new rule forms part of eight major changes to the Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling, and riding horses.

Under the changes, a hierarchy of road users will be adopted, placing road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy.

The updated code will also clarify that cars and other traffic should give way to people who are crossing or are waiting to cross at a junction. It means cars should stop before turning into a road if someone is waiting to cross or has already started crossing.

These rules apply to large vehicles, cars, motorcyclists, and cyclists.

The new Highway Code will also include guidance on routes and spaces shared by people walking, cycling and riding horses; positioning in the road when cycling; overtaking when driving or cycling; people cycling at junctions and on roundabouts; and parking, charging and leaving vehicles.

Commenting on the new rules, RAC Head of Roads Policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “These major changes to The Highway Code should make the roads safer for the most vulnerable road users, in particular, those walking and cycling, so are to be welcomed.

“But it’s vitally important that all road users – especially drivers – take the time to fully understand what’s new as some of the changes are a significant departure from what’s gone before. For instance, drivers turning into a road should now give way to any pedestrians waiting to cross.”

The full version of The Highway Code is available, free of charge, on GOV.UK. It will be updated from 29 January 2022.

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