Urgent Highway Code warning issued to all drivers after 'major changes'
There have been renewed calls for all road users to know the Highway Code.
PA.
The Government is re-launching its THINK! campaign to remind motorists of the Highway Code rules and their responsibilities when on the road.
In a bid to boost road safety, the Department of Transport is urging motorists to “Travel Like You Know Them”.
A major update was introduced in 2022, when the Government unveiled a wide range of new measures, designed to reduce the risk to the most vulnerable road users.
Drivers were handed the largest responsibility, with the new rules giving priority to cyclists and pedestrians when at junctions.
The Highway Code was updated in January 2022.
PA.
Alongside the stricter rules for motorists, cyclists are now able to ride two abreast or in the centre of a lane if it is safer to do so.
The new rules were met with mixed responses, with some arguing that they did not go far enough, while some criticised the Highway Code for curtailing driver freedoms.
Richard Holden, Roads Minister, praised the Highway Code and the re-launch of the road safety campaign, saying it would help all road users.
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.”
The Government invested a further £47.5million in the Safer Road Fund to help local authorities ensure roads around the UK are not dangerous.
Based on the work provided by the Fund, it is estimated that around 1,450 people will be saved from being killed or seriously injured on roads over the next 20 years.
The new measures have been praised by road safety experts who have long called for greater provisions to protect all road users.
Antony Kildare, Chief Executive at IAM RoadSmart, said there has been a further need for more education around the Highway Code rules since they were introduced almost 18 months ago.
He added that the rules need to be fully adopted by the general public, with many criticising the Government over its inaction to inform millions of motorists that rules were changing.
Mr Kildare said: “As a road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart believes a relaunch of the 'Travel Like You Know Them' campaign that encourages motorists to think of others, and that aims to influence behavioural change may prevent people from taking unnecessary and uniformed risks.”
Similarly, Simon Williams, head of roads policy at the RAC, commented that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians all have a responsibility to look out for other road users.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Many experts have praised the investment into the Safer Roads Fund.
PA.
He added: “Every casualty on our roads is one too many and we hope all road users take the time to remind themselves of what they should be doing differently following last year’s major changes to the Highway Code.”
You may like
