Changes to the Highway Code, which are due to come into force on the 29th January 2022 will aim to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders on UK roads. These new rules apply to all drivers including HGV and van drivers.

UPDATES TO THE HIGHWAY CODE

• Drivers of HGVs and large passenger vehicles will now have 'the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger posed to other road users' - the new hierarchy will be as follows
  1. Pedestrians
  2. Cyclists
  3. Horse riders
  4. Motorcyclists
  5. Cars / taxis
  6. Vans / minibuses
  7. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and large passenger vehicles
• Drivers at junctions should now give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road they are turning into
• Drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting to cross zebra crossings
• Drivers must give way to cyclists and pedestrians waiting to cross a parallel crossing (combined pedestrian and cycle crossing)
• Drivers should not cut across cyclists when they are turning into or out of a junction (including roundabouts), changing direction or changing lane - this new rules applies whether the cyclist is using a cycle lane, cycle track or simply riding on the road
• The 'Dutch Reach' method of opening your vehicle door should be used to prevent injury to cyclists - this involves opening your door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening. This naturally makes you turn your head to look over your shoulder.

For more information, visit The Highway Code guidance on gov.uk.