In early 2022, the UK Highway Code underwent a series of changes, with the aim of making roads safer for all users. But what do these changes mean for businesses and the way they operate, and have they had any real impact in the year since their introduction?
Key Highway Code Changes
Firstly, let’s take a look at some of the key changes:
The establishment of a new road user hierarchy
This now places the most vulnerable (pedestrians and cyclists) at the top and the least vulnerable (cars, vans, and heavy vehicles) at the bottom. Pedestrians now have priority at intersections.
Cyclists’ priority and positioning
One of the most notable was the introduction of a new rule regarding cyclists’ priority and positioning. Vehicles may not cut over a cyclist’s right of way, including while turning at a junction; cyclists may ride in the centre of a lane to make themselves visible on the road; and drivers must provide 1.5 metres of space when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30mph.
Departing vehicles as a driver
It is now recommended that drivers depart the vehicle with the hand furthest from the door, as this forces them to swivel their head and glance behind, increasing their chances of noticing oncoming bikes.
Mobile phone usage at the wheel
Another significant change was the introduction of a new rule regarding the use of mobile phones while driving. The penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel was increased to 6 points on your license, up from the previous 3 points.
This change was made in response to the increasing number of accidents caused by distracted drivers and is aimed at encouraging motorists to stay focused on the road at all times.
What Do These Changes Mean for You?
For those in the logistics, supply chain, or sales sectors, the new rules around cyclists could have a significant impact on the way deliveries are made. Couriers and delivery drivers will need to be extra vigilant when passing cyclists on the road and may need to allow for extra time and space when making deliveries in urban areas.
Similarly, the increased penalty for using a mobile phone while driving could have a big impact on businesses. Those who rely on their mobile phone for work, such as sales reps or delivery drivers, will need to ensure they are using hands-free devices or pulling over to make calls or send messages. Failing to do so could result in penalty points on their licence, which could impact their ability to do their job effectively.
Of course, these changes were made with safety in mind, and any impact on businesses is likely to be outweighed by the benefits of a safer road environment. But what about the impact of these changes one year later?
The Impact of These Changes
Casualty data for 2022 will not be available until later in the year, but preliminary estimates indicate that there hasn’t been a significant reduction in accidents and injuries, with only a 4% decrease in reported fatalities (compared to pre-pandemic levels) in road collisions and a 6% decrease in seriously injured casualties.
That being said, the changes to the UK Highway Code are a positive step forward for road safety. While they may require some adjustments from businesses and their employees, the benefits of a safer road environment are well worth the effort.
