2022 saw one of the largest updates to the Highway Code there has been in recent years. With 3 new headings of rules, H1, H2 and H3 there is certainly a lot to remember if you are not currently up to date with the changes. We’ve put together some of the more important changes for motorists so you don’t get caught out with fines or penalties. Here they are.
1 - At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.
2 - Give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing as well as light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
3 - This is one to look out for in your Hazard perception. Pedestrians may use any part of the road and use cycle tracks as well as the pavement, unless there are signs prohibiting pedestrians.
4 - You should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, just as you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle. This applies whether they are using a cycle lane, a cycle track, or riding ahead on the road and you should give way to them.
5 - Do not turn at a junction if to do so would cause the cyclist, horse rider or horse drawn vehicle going straight ahead to stop or swerve.
6 - You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary. This includes when cyclists are approaching, passing or moving off from a junction, moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic or travelling around a roundabout
7 - Whilst this one is no great surprise to drivers, you may now cross a double-white line if necessary (provided the road is clear) to overtake someone cycling or riding a horse if they are travelling at 10 mph or less.
8 - There were further updates to rules when it comes to overtaking which include:
- leaving at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
- passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space
- allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keeping to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement)
9 - Whilst not directly applicable to drivers, the highway code now states cyclists may pass slower moving or stationary traffic on either their right or left, so one more thing to look out for if you are stuck in traffic.
10 - Cyclists now also have a greater right of way when it comes to roundabouts, so you must now not attempt to overtake people cycling within that person’s lane and allow people cycling to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout.
11 - Going Dutch?! When it comes to parking, the government is now recommending you leave ‘the Dutch reach’. This is using your hand on the opposite side to a door you are opening, or in English, using your left hand to open a right hand door. The idea is you will look over your shoulder to make sure there are no oncoming people, cyclists or motorbike riders.
12 - Last but not least, is for electric car charging points. It wouldn’t quite be 2023 without it but it is the first time electrical vehicles have made their way into the Highway code. The guidance advises when charging an electric car you should:
- Park as close as possible to charging points to avoid creating a trip hazard from trailing cables.
- Display a warning sign if you can.
- Return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to other people and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.
How many of the new Highway code updates did you know? Whilst driving regulations may be constantly changing, our affordable prices for self-drive hire vehicles is not. Our mission is to make sure you’re safe on the road whether you’re in one of our vehicles, or in one of your own! If you need to hire a van, lorry, car or minibus you can visit us in Skipton or contact us today on 01756 792911.
