Do you know the changes to the Highway Code which came into force on 29th January 2022? You need to!
S38(7) Road Traffic act states that a breach of the Highway Code can be relied upon to establish criminal or civil liability.
This means it is IMPERATIVE that every road user, particularly a driver, is familiar with the new changes to the Highway Code, which are extensive. Quite apart from the new offences that have been created, breach of the Code can be relied upon to support a Charge of Careless, Inconsiderate or Dangerous Driving. The court can disqualify or impose points and that could bring you into “totting” territory for a minimum ban of 6 months driving.
Among the things motorists may not be aware of are:
1. Any handheld use of a mobile phone while driving, including taking pictures or videos or changing the song being listened to is now explicitly banned and could attract a £200 fine.
2. Number plates, lights and indicators must be clean and clear. Failure to keep them visible could attract a huge £1000 fine.
3. People using an electric vehicle charging point must park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard from trailing cables, display a warning sign if possible and return charging cable s and connectors neatly.
Below is a summary of the main points of the new Highway Code. For more details, please see gov.uk/driving and transport
4. Everyone is expected to behave responsibly and look out for others. But a new ‘hierarchy of road users’ prioritises those who are most vulnerable in the event of a collision and gives those who pose the greatest dangers to others the greatest responsibility. The new hierarchy is: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists, cars and taxis, vans and minibuses, buses and HGVs.
5. If pedestrians are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction or a zebra crossing, other traffic should give way.
6. Cyclists should not overtake pedestrians or horse-riders closely or at high speed in shared spaces. People walking should take care not to obstruct pathways.
7. Cyclists should make themselves as visible as possible by riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower moving traffic and when approaching junctions. They should leave 1m clearance when passing parked vehicles to avoid being hit by an opening car door.
8. Drivers and passengers should open doors using their opposite hand i.e. left hand to open a door on their right. This technique, known as the Dutch reach, encourages people to turn their head and look over their shoulder so they can see others in their path.
9. At roundabouts, motorists should give priority to cyclists, horse riders and people driving horse drawn vehicles and should not try to cut across their lane.
10.Drivers overtaking more vulnerable road users must leave 1.5 to 2 metres distance, depending on their speed. It’s ok to cross a double white line if necessary, if the road is clear. Drivers should wait and not overtake if it’s unsafe or they can’t keep that distance.
11.Drivers should not cut into the path of cyclists and horse riders. At junctions and when changing lanes, they should wait for a safe gap before carrying out their manoeuvre.
12.Motorists must not cross the white line at traffic lights. Doing so could cost a £100 fine and penalty points.
