Drivers warned of Highway Code rule some still don't follow 3 years after update

Motorists are being cautioned that they're misunderstanding the rules around pedestrian crossings, three years after changes were implemented. Even seasoned drivers are getting it wrong, according to driving experts.

The confusion stems from alterations made in 2022 regarding pedestrian rights at crossings, which naturally have implications for drivers. The government's official website, gov.uk, explains: "A parallel crossing is similar to a zebra crossing, but includes a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes."

Insurance company LV has highlighted that many individuals remain oblivious to these changes. They stated: "Every now and then the Department of Transport updates the Highway Code, reports Devon Live.

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"Some of the most recent and biggest changes came into effect in 2022, but lots of us are still unaware of what these are. The 2022 Highway Code updates were divided into rules H1, H2 and H3. The new proposals set to change the 'hierarchy' of road users, giving more priority to pedestrians and making sure drivers are especially cautious."

Annie Winterburn of Spot On Driving echoed this sentiment on TikTok, telling her followers: "Drivers don't know this. Learner drivers are getting confused about this."

She emphasised that motorists must give way as pedestrians "have priority to go first". She said: "If a pedestrian wants to cross a side road, drivers should allow them to cross over the road."

However, this doesn't apply if they want to cross the main road. "This could be dangerous," warned Annie.

The Highway Code went through changes in 2022 with the aim of better protecting pedestrians. The new rule states: "At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning."

This is a significant shift from the previous guidance, which only required drivers to yield to pedestrians who had "started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road".

What does Highway Code say about pedestrians crossing?

It's all about rule H2. This rule applies to drivers, motorcyclists, horse-drawn vehicles, horse riders and cyclists.

The rule reads: "At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. You MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing (see Rule 195).

"Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal. You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.

"Horse riders should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing. Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks and to horse riders on bridleways.

"Only pedestrians may use the pavement. Pedestrians include wheelchair and mobility scooter users." Pedestrians are allowed to use any part of the road, cycle tracks as well as the pavement, unless there are signs prohibiting pedestrian access.

What prompted the Highway Code changes?

The changes were made after a public consultation on a review of The Highway Code with the aim of enhancing road safety for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This consultation took place from July to October 2020.

More than 20,000 responses were received from the public, businesses and various organisations. The majority of respondents were in support of all the proposed changes.

The modifications to The Highway Code were enacted on Saturday 29 January 2022. They encompass Rule H2, along with other rules regarding roundabouts, overtaking, cycling and the so-called hierarchy of road-users.

This hierarchy consists of H2, as well as H1 and H3, which address other aspects of the highway. In June 2022, Trudy Harrison, then of the Department for Transport, voiced her support for the changes in the House of Commons.

She said: "The amendments simply reinforce the good behaviours that we would expect every road user to adhere to and drivers should already be following the rules of the road. The changes will lead to improvements in road safety as they encourage more mutual respect and consideration for all road users."