HIGHWAY CODE CONSULTATION LAUNCHED

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Highway Code which are intended to make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and other vulnerable users.

The main changes that are being proposed include:
• introducing a hierarchy of road users. This will give greater responsibility for reducing risk to others to those road users who can do the greatest harm. This is intended to ensure a more mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users rather than giving priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in every situation
• clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road
• providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead
• establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders

Other changes include recognising that charging cables for electric vehicles can be a trip hazard for pedestrians and advising drivers to take care when charging vehicles to minimise any danger.

The consultation runs until 27th October 2020. You can view full details of the proposed changes and respond to the consultation via the Gov.UK website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-highway-code-to-improve-road-safety-for-cyclists-pedestrians-and-horse-riders

Our specialists can help you to manage road safety for your employees and develop and implement suitable occupational road risk policies and procedures. Please speak to your normal PIB Risk management contact or get in touch using [email protected] if you have any questions.