REVEALED: IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE HIGHWAY CODE COMING IN 2022

UK motorists can expect big changes this new year according to research done by vehicle finance specialist Carvine. Later this month, from January 29th, a batch of new Highway Code rules will come into force that will significantly impact how motorists behave behind the wheel.

Among the fresh set of rules is the major ‘Hierarchy of Users’ regulations. Split into three rules: H1, H2 and H3, everyone from car drivers, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists are affected. The government’s policy states that the new ‘H’ rules will ‘tackle some of the safety issues pedestrians encounter or perceive when walking.’

Rule H1 places greater responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles to take more care of vulnerable road users and ‘bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.’

Rule H2 focuses on pedestrians crossing at junctions. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider, ‘you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from you are turning.’

Lastly, Rule H3 concerns drivers and motorcyclists turning into a ‘junction or changing direction or lane.’ Motorists should not cut across cause any cyclist, horse rider or horse-drawn vehicle to swerve or be forced to stop. Instead, you should wait until there is a safe gap before making your manoeuvre.

But the changes don’t stop there.

Cyclists are now being advised to position themselves in the centre of the road to make themselves more visible to other road users – especially if they are making a turn at a junction or travelling in slow-moving traffic.

Further restrictions to mobile phone users are now in place beyond making a phone call or texting. If you are found using your device to film, take a photo, scroll through a playlist or play a game, you could land yourself a fixed £200 fine and six points on your license.

Later this year, you can also expect parking restrictions on pavements with a proposed £70 fine. While this has been a finable offence in the capital for years, the rest of England and Wales do not currently face a fine. However, the Scottish government are enacting a bill to outlaw all parking on pavements from 2023 – it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the country follows suit.

Post-July, all new cars manufactured in the EU will be fitted with an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) black boxes to ensure drivers don’t go over the speed limits in place.

Finally, the other significant change is how motorists use lights to signal other road users. Now you can ‘only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.’

Alex Thomas, a spokesperson for Carvine.commented: “Despite legislation and Highway Code amendments coming into force, most motorists will be unaware of the new rules. While we all have a duty and responsibility behind the wheel, penalising drivers will likely become easier for the authorities as days go by.”

With more and more changes for motorists coming into force across the UK, including the new Clean Air Zones in Manchester and Bradford, the future of driving will undoubtedly look different in years to come.