What are the new highway code rules and who gets priority at roundabouts

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THE New Highway Code rules for 2022 will come into effect on January 29, 2022.

The new rules have been put into place to make the UK roads safer for everyone on them.

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Drivers will need to keep a watch out for cyclists at roundaboutsCredit: Alamy

What are the new Highway Code rules?

The Highway Code is being revamped with changes kicking in from January 29, 2022.

There are a raft of new rules that all road users need to be aware of – or they risk fines and penalty points on their licence.

As part of the changes, both cyclists and pedestrians will get extra power on the roads.

Plus, vehicles will have to give way in new places.

We round up the rules you need to know about.

Hierarchy of road users

There will now be a “hierarchy of road users” which ranks road users according who can cause the most harm.

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable and are least like to cause accident on the UK roads.

Larger vehicles such as HGVs and buses, are deemed to be able to do the most harm and must be extra careful.

The “hierarchy of road users” is as follows:

  1. Pedestrians
  2. Cyclists
  3. Horse Riders
  4. Motorcyclists
  5. Cars/taxis
  6. Vans/minibuses
  7. Large passenger vehicles or courier vehicles like buses and HGVs

Giving way on the road

Drivers must give way to pedestrians at junctions.

The Highway Code will state: “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”

Motorists must also let pedestrians cross if they are stuck in traffic or slowly moving.

Cyclists rules updated

In previous editions of The Highway Code, it was never stated where cyclists should ride in the road, with most riding on the left hand side near the kerb.

It has now become clearer that it is acceptable for cyclists to ride in the centre of the road at certain times, such as quiet roads or to avoid any parked cars.

Also, cars that are wanting to turn left or right will have to give way to cyclists that are coming from behind and plan on travelling straight on.

Who gets priority at roundabouts?

Cyclists and will now be given priority at roundabouts.

Drivers will not be able to overtake cyclists as they make their way around the roundabout.

Rule 187 of the Highway Code states: You [drivers] should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.

“Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.

“Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout.

“Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.”

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