Highway code changes: New changes at roundabouts every driver must know

The driving rulebook has been amended to include changes to priority for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the responsibility of all road users in keeping each other safe. The change is due to the new hierarchy of road users, which will be used to establish who is responsible for keeping who safe on Britain’s roads.

For the first time, the law will require those who could cause the greatest harm to others to bear the responsibility of reducing danger.

For example, this means that someone driving a car is more responsible than a cyclist for the safety of both parties.

Among the changes are new guidance about passing distances, using phones while driving, who has priority at junctions, and more.

These proposed changes form part of the Department for Transport’s £338million investment strategy to encourage cycling and walking across the country.

READ MORE: New driving laws 2022: The 7 major changes coming for road users 

“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.

“Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.”

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns said: “These amendments bring not just much needed clarity on key areas of reducing danger on our roads, such as safe overtaking distances of people walking, cycling or horse riding, but also through the new ‘hierarchy of road users’ challenges the current mindset that ‘might is right’ on our roads.

“It enshrines in law the need for those who present the most risk on our roads to look out for those who are the most vulnerable.

“This can only make the roads safer for everyone.”

According to the Department for Transport (DfT) the new regulation changes will improve safety for all road users.

A DfT spokesman said: “The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were announced to national press.

“The department has established a working group of key organisations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond.”