Many drivers and industry experts have vented their frustrations at the new Highway Code rules, saying that not enough information has been given to the public. Earlier this week, Labour’s shadow minister for roads, said the Government’s publicity campaign “will simply come too late when the changes are already in force”.
The Government announced its award-winning THINK! campaign would launch a communications drive to inform of the new changes.
The scheme, backed by over £500,000 in funding, will raise awareness of the new rules and ensure road-users across the country understand their responsibilities.
The campaign will run across radio and social media channels, with further campaign activity to follow later in the summer.
When asked about plans to publicise changes, junior transport minister Trudy Harrison said the changes would be communicated “in two phases”.
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He said: “It’s important that both cyclists and motorists understand these new rules.
“Failing to abide by them could cause a collision, which could cause serious injuries and even lead to a hefty fine.
“If the car driver was to blame for a collision, this could be classed as careless and inconsiderate driving which carries an unlimited fine and up to nine points on your licence.
“If the cyclist was to blame, this could result in them receiving a £1,000 fine for careless cycling, according to The Highway Code penalty table.”
Cyclists are now advised to drive in the centre of the lane on quiet streets, in slow-moving traffic, and approaching junctions or narrow roads where it would be deemed unsafe for drivers to overtake.
This is being done to protect riders by making them more visible as well as preventing drivers from attempting to overtake cyclists in an unsafe situation.
Another change encourages cyclists to ride two abreast, something which has caused conflict on roads in previous years.
The Code reads: “You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders.”
Motorists will be encouraged to adopt the so-called ‘Dutch Reach’, opening the door next to them with the opposite hand so they look over their shoulder, meaning they’re less likely to injure passing cyclists and pedestrians.
The changes created a “hierarchy of road users”, which ensured quicker or heavier modes of travel have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others on the road.
Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, said: “I’m proud to say we have some of the safest roads in the world, but I’m determined to make them safer still for everyone.
“These updates to The Highway Code will do just that by bringing the rules into the 21st century, encouraging people to respect and consider the needs of those around them, and ensuring all road-users know the rules of the road.”
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