Drivers warned of ‘confusing and dangerous’ Highway Code rule change that comes in next month

Drivers across the UK have been warned of a ‘potentially confusing’ new rule change to the Highway Code.

The new rule, which is expected to come into force on January 29th 2022, means motorists will have to give way to cyclists and pedestrians at junctions, something the AA have warned could cause ‘confusion and dangerous situations’ on British roads.

The AA surveyed over 13,000 drivers, where they found that only a third were aware of the upcoming new rule change.

Under the revised rules, drivers and cyclists must give way if pedestrians are waiting to cross the road into which or from they are turning. Motorists must also give way to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.

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And for their safety, cyclists must also ride in the centre of the lane when approaching junctions and on quiet roads.

The updated Highway Code will also offer guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders.

The original Highway Code gave vehicles priority at junctions, so pedestrians only had the right of way if they were already on the junction road.

The new rule has been introduced in an attempt to ensure that road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.

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A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “The proposed upcoming changes to The Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were widely reported when they were announced earlier this year.”

The Highway Code reminds road users that if they are caught not complying to the rules, it will be classed as a criminal offence, meaning drivers may be fined, given penalty points on their licence or be disqualified from driving.

In the most serious cases, drivers could even be sent to prison.

You can read the new rules in full here.