Changes to the UK Highway Code
A review of the UK highway code is to take place in order to improvide road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. Following lengthy public consulation the Government is reviewing the statues of road users and how they are to be treated in the eyes of the law.
Changes include:-
- For the first time the Highway Code will establish a specific ‘hierarchy of road users’ with an order of priority given as: pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, cars, vans, large passenger vehicles and then heavy good vehicles. The aim being to ensure that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they might pose to others.
- Specific changes affecting horse riders include establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking horse riders. Specifically; when overtaking a horse rider (or horse drawn vehicle) you must give at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car. As a driver, you must also take extra care and give more space when overtaking horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in bad weather (including high winds) and at night.
- Guidance when overtaking horse riders and horse drawn vehicles includes: leaving a minimum distance of 2 metres; passing at speeds under 15mph; and further, that one should wait behind a horse rider or horse drawn vehicle if it is not safe to overtake and not possible to meet the above guidance. Do not push through or past a horse; horses are sentient beings who can be unpredictable.
- For further information on road safety please look on The Government website