Drivers unconvinced by Highway Code changes

Changes to the Highway Code are due to come into force on January 29 which will give greater focus to the safety of vulnerable road users including pedestrians and cyclists.

However, research from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that not all motorists support the proposed changes, believing they could create more dangerous situations on UK roads, as opposed to reducing them.

According to a Venson survey, 79% of motorists disagree with the change that will allow cyclists to pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on the right or left, including at the approach to junctions. Cyclists will be advised they should proceed with caution, especially when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles. The question being asked by motorists is ‘what is deemed safe?’

However, nearly 50% agree with the proposed new rule which states drivers should remain behind cyclists and motorcyclists at junctions, even if the cyclist is waiting to turn and are positioned close to the kerb.

Pedestrian safety is also being reviewed. Changes include requesting drivers to give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which the driver is turning. This is supported by 44% of survey respondents. In addition, drivers will have to give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.  Pedestrians and cyclists will also be allowed to cross the road in front of slow-moving traffic if the changes are approved.

Alison Bell, marketing director for Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “If all the proposed changes come into force there is a lot of new information for drivers to take onboard. It’s essential that businesses operating a fleet of vehicles have a process in place to allow drivers to familiarise themselves with new changes, as well as brush up on existing rules.  Businesses and drivers have a Duty of Care to themselves, other road users and pedestrians. A failure to understand the new rules and correctly implement them could result in financial penalties, law breaking or worse, guilty of an avoidable accident.”