The changes come into effect from January 29
UK motorists will have to be on the lookout for new roundabout changes coming into place across the country from next week.
The new Highway Code updates were announced earlier this week and primarily revolve around ensuring the safety of the “most vulnerable”, first and foremost. According to Highways England, this includes pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
⚠️ News for all road users. ⚠️
On 29 Jan the Highway Code is changing. The main new rules are:
🚗 A new hierarchy of road users
🚶♀️ A new priority for pedestrians at junctions
🚴 New priority for cyclists when cars are turningFor more info see https://t.co/fjt023IeCY pic.twitter.com/U3ixIY7855
— Shropshire Council (@ShropCouncil) January 21, 2022
Although they insist these groups will not be prioritised over motorists and other vehicles in every situation, the Department for Transport‘s aim is for everyone to maintain a “mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users.”
However, digging into specifics, Rule 186 under the new section states that “you should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout” as “they will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.”
It goes on to explain how drivers should “give them plenty of room and […] not attempt to overtake them within their lane”, add that they should “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.”
It also adds that motorists should take extra care not to cut off these groups who are continuing around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.
New ‘Dutch-style’ roundabouts have already been installed in certain areas – such as the junction in Cambridge seen below – which are designed to prioritise cyclists first and filter traffic using an additional, distinct bicycle lane.
A concise round-up of all the rule changes under the new Highway Code can be found here.
Which? also went on to add that while some of these rules are only referred to as guidance or “advisable” to all those wanting to protect each other, those listed as “must” or “must not” are enforceable by law.
The best bet would obviously be to follow it all to a tee though, don’t you reckon?
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