Changes to the Highway Code: ‘Hopefully these changes will make walking and cycling safer and more pleasant’

• ON January 29, changes were introduced to the Highway Code which will especially affect busy inner-city boroughs.

To increase awareness, I set out below the main changes that could affect road users.

— Pedestrians now have greater priority over cars at junctions and pedestrian crossings so that motorists have to give way when pedestrians are waiting to cross, not just when they have stepped onto a crossing.

— Cyclists have priority when travelling straight ahead at junctions, and should position themselves in the middle of the lane when approaching junctions and in slow moving traffic.

— A hierarchy of road users puts walking at the top, and places more responsibility for road safety on more dangerous modes of transport ensuring “road users who can do the greatest harm”, such as those in cars, vans and lorries, “have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others”.

— Guidance is given on safe distances and speeds for motor vehicles passing cyclists.

— Drivers are required to use their left hand to open car doors, thereby increasing the chance they see passing bicycles.

Though it may take a little time for all road users to understand and observe their new rights and obligations under the code, hopefully these changes will make walking and cycling safer and more pleasant, and reduce the number of deaths and injuries on London’s roads.

JEREMY DREW
Islington Green Party