New Highway Code rules change who has priority at roundabouts

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. According to the DfT, the objective of this new measure is not to give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in every situation, but rather to encourage a more “mutually respectful and considerate culture of safe and effective road use that benefits all users.” The hierarchy is of particular concern to drivers of passenger vehicles and large goods, closely followed by vans and minibuses, then cars, taxis and motorcycles. The new Highway Code text includes a warning to always remember that “the people you encounter may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility, and may not be able to see or hear you.” It adds: “None of this detracts from the responsibility of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.” Rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists The second alteration to the Highway Code has been devised to create more obvious priorities for pedestrians, particularly at junctions, and clarify where they have right of way over other road users. Drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which they are turning. According to the DfT, drivers “should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if needed.” The new rule reads: “This includes when cyclists are: