Here are all the new rules in the Highway Code that police want you to read up on

The urge comes from Cumbria Road Safety Partnership, which includes members from Cumbria Police, Cumbria County Council, and Highways.

On January 29, 2022, eight new rules are being introduced, along with 49 updates to existing rules, to better protect more vulnerable road users.

Rule 1: Hierarchy of road users

The first main rule is on the hierarchy of road users.

This is the most significant change and says that road users who can do the greatest harm (those driving large vehicles) have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to other road users.

The new hierarchy of road users are, in order: pedestrians; cyclists; horse riders; motorcyclists; cars/taxis; vans/minibuses and finally; large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles.

Rule 2: Pedestrians at junctions

The second rule is for for drivers, motorcyclists, horse drawn vehicles, horse riders and cyclists, and gives a new priority for pedestrians at junctions, stating: "At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.

"You must give way to pedestrians on or waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on or waiting to cross a parallel crossing.

"Horse riders should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.

"Wait to turn near cyclists or horse riders."

Rule 3: Priority for cyclists when cars are turning

This rules states that other road users 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.

It says that you should 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. and you should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.

Rule 4: Positioning in the road while cycling

There will be updated guidance for people cycling about positioning themselves which includes: riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings and; keeping at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them.

People cycling are also asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when it’s safe to do so.

Rule 5: Overtaking when driving or cycling

The updated code will confirm that people cycling may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left.

They should proceed with caution as people driving may not be able to see them. This is particularly important on the approach to junctions, and when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles.

There will also be updated guidance on safe passing distances and speeds for people driving or riding a motorcycle when overtaking vulnerable road users, including: 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 and; 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).

Wait behind them and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.

Rule 6: People cycling at junctions

The code will be updated to clarify that when turning into or out of a side road, people cycling should give way to people walking who are crossing or waiting to cross.

There will be new advice about new special cycle facilities at some junctions.

Some junctions now include small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height, which may allow cyclists to move separately from or before other traffic.

People cycling are encouraged to use these facilities where they make their journey safer and easier.

There will also be new guidance for people cycling at junctions with no separate facilities.

The code will recommend that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities.

This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely.

Rule 7: People cycling, riding a horse and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts

The new guidance will say people driving and or riding a motorcycle should 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.

The code already explains that people cycling, riding a horse and driving a horse-drawn vehicle may stay in the left-hand lane of a roundabout when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout.

Guidance will be added to explain that people driving should take extra care when entering a roundabout to make sure they do not cut across people cycling, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle who are continuing around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.

Rule 8: Parking, charging and leaving vehicles

The code will recommend a new technique when leaving vehicles, sometimes called the ‘Dutch Reach’, where people driving or passengers in a vehicle are able to do so, they should open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening.

For example, using their left hand to open a door on their right-hand side.

This will make them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them.

Also, for the first time, the code will include guidance about using electric vehicle charging points.

When using one, people should: park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for people walking from trailing cables; display a warning sign if you can and; return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to other people and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways, said: “The new update of the highway code will take effect nationally, on Saturday 29 January.

"In general, the goal is to reduce accidents and collisions, by making those who can cause the greatest harm to have the most responsibility on our roads. 

"We encourage all residents, visitors, and business owners to read the new highway code and to drive carefully, while enjoying the scenery of our beautiful county."

Sergeant Claire Sampson from Cumbria Constabulary’s Mobile Support Group said: “I’d urge all road users, but especially drivers, to take note of the changes to the rules of our roads.

“The new hierarchy highlights those most at risk of becoming a casualty on our roads, it’s the responsibility of us all to ensure we keep others safe."

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said: "We need to raise awareness of the new rules in the Highway Code and encourage all road users to put them into practice, as from Saturday 29 January.

“It is the responsibility of all road users to keep themselves up to date and make sure they are aware of for example, the new hierarchy of responsibility for road users, the new priority for pedestrians at junctions and the new priority for cyclists when cars are turning.

“All new changes in the Highway Code serve to improve our road safety and help reduce the number of collisions and accidents in the county, which can only ever be a good thing.”