After a period of consultation during 2021 there are a number of changes to the Highway Code which came into force on Saturday 29th January.
The new rules establish a hierarchy of road users in which those most at risk as a result of a collision are placed at the top of the hierarchy. Although all road users are expected to understand their responsibility for the safety of others ‘ those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.’–
The Government has published guidance on their website in a news story entitled Eight Changes you need to know from 29th January 2022.
This guidance is available on the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-to-know-from-29-january-2022
Within the article are definitions of the words ‘MUST NOT’ including the rules which if not followed can mean a fixed penalty notice and possible driving licence penalty points.
In addition those rules which start with ‘SHOULD NOT‘ whilst not criminal offences can lead to assignment of culpability and therefore responsibility for an incident.
Copies of the new Highway Code are available free to download at the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code
In addition you can preorder a copy at a coat of £4.99 by clicking the link below: