If you thought you were done with the Highway Code when you passed your theory test, we’re sorry to disappoint! You couldn’t be any more wrong. It turns out the Highway Code has had some changes made to it recently.
Brace yourself for what the code has in store for us this autumn.
What are the changes?
The proposed changes that the Highway Code has in store for us is:
- Highway Code changes inbound
- More priorities for pedestrians and cyclists
- £338 million packages to encourage cycling and walking
Pedestrians and cyclists are at the top of the list of changes that are due to arrive this autumn, and it will give cyclists priority when cycling straight ahead at junctions. Pedestrians will also have a higher priority when crossing the road. The way it stands at the moment is that motorists only need to give way once when a pedestrian has stepped onto a zebra crossing. Crazy, isn’t it?
At the minute pedestrians are also advised to wait until the vehicles on the road have stopped before crossing, but it’s likely that the Highway Code will see a heavy revision of this too, finally.
Money talks
The Department of Transport has made some pretty bold statements, one of them being that a £338 million package is to help improve cycle lanes and footpaths, in a bid to encourage people to cycle and walk more.
It’s not rocket science that cycling and walking will help us keep fit, but it will also help to reduce congestion and help the environment. We don’t know about you but that sounds like music to our ears.
Power battle
No doubt these changes will be welcomed in the hope that it will reduce the number of cars on the road and the danger that they may pose to others. At the minute, lorry drivers and children walking to school are treated as if their both responsible for their own and other’s safety. We don’t know about you, but in our eyes, this is a little crazy so thankfully this will soon be fixed.
You’d think that pedestrians are the safest and least dangerous but more often than not, it seems like they’re the ones left paying the price. We’ve all been a pedestrian at some point and we all want to relax and know that we’re safe.
When will these changes happen?
The changes to the Highway Code are expected to take effect in the autumn across Britain. If that’s not something to look forward to, then we don’t know what is! Mark it in your calendars people, improvements are on their way, we know you’re just as excited as we are.
