New Highway Code campaign warns drivers to help keep cyclists and pedestrians safe
Motorists are required to leave at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking a cyclist at under 30mph
PA
A new campaign has launched urging motorists to get all road users in the UK to learn the rules of the Highway Code and improve safety.
The “Travel Like You Know Them” campaign has been relaunched by the Government’s THINK! scheme to help drivers “understand how others see and use the road”.
The campaign has been reintroduced after some drivers reported that they did not know about new Highway Code changes which were introduced in January 2022.
The new rules aimed to make roads safer by creating a “hierarchy of road users” to ensure the larger modes of transport understand their responsibility when driving.
Other new rules included instructing drivers to give priority at junctions to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the correct way to overtake cyclists and horse riders.
Motorists should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, and leave a larger gap if they are travelling faster.
When on more rural roads, drivers needing to overtake horse riders should travel at under 10mph and allow at least two metres of space to ensure the horse does not get frightened.
Speaking about the new reminder from the THINK! campaign, Richard Holden, Roads Minister, praised the UK for the constant changes to improve the safety of roads.
He said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world and will continue to strive to improve road safety for all users.
“It is fantastic that the Travel Like You Know Them campaign is back to continue to raise awareness of these important changes and to change behaviour on our roads to help keep those more at risk safe.”
Cyclists were given fresh guidance in the Highway Code changes, allowing them to reposition themselves on certain roads.
When travelling on quiet streets or in slower-moving traffic, cyclists are able to ride in the centre of the lane to make themselves as clearly visible as possible.
This follows a massive investment boost from the Government worth £47.5million to make roads safer and help local authorities address some of the most dangerous roads around the country.
The DVSA’s Safe Driving for Life campaign has urged drivers to take note of the new campaign and follow the Highway Code rules.
It advised drivers to consider how they drive and think whether they are guilty of passing road users too closely or failing to give way to pedestrians waiting at a junction.
The blog stated: “I bet if the cyclist, horse rider or pedestrian were your loved one you would have been considerate and done all you could to keep them safe.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
New Highway Code changes were introduced in January 2022
PA
“Imagine how much safer and more pleasant the roads would be for everyone if all road users treated others like they knew them.”
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