Brigade’s guide to
New Highway Code hierarchy
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What are the Highway Code changes?
The Highway Code changes will see new rules being introduced
What are the Highway Code changes being introduced?
The Highway Code changes will see new rules being introduced that include drivers being told they must not cut across cyclists going straight ahead, turning into a junction, changing direction or changing lane – making the requirement for vehicle cameras, sensors and alerts on lorries and HGVs to eliminate blind spots and prevent incidents even more of a priority.
What do the Highway Code changes mean to lorry drivers?
As a result of the changes to the Highway Code, lorry drivers will be ranked at the lowest level and, therefore, will have the greatest responsibility towards other road users and are more likely to burden the blame in the event of an incident.
What is the new Highway Code hierarchy?
Pedestrians
will now have priority
Parallel crossings
Light controlled crossings when waiting to cross and while crossing
Cyclists
will now have priority
When other vehicles are turning across their path
On narrow sections of the road, at road junctions and in slow-moving traffic, cyclists can now ride in the centre of the lane
How can Brigade help?
The introduction of the Highway Code’s road user hierarchy is putting even more pressure on fleet operators to ensure their vehicles are as safe and secure as possible.
Even if you are not driving in Greater London, the approved solutions for the Direct Vision Standard, along with other industry accreditations, such as FORS, CLOCS and Van Excellence, are ideal templates for mitigating the risks of collisions.
We have put together a handy infographic for fleet operators to refer to. This infographic breaks down the Highway Code changes, explaining how these will affect drivers and advises of the most suitable commercial vehicle safety systems to assist companies with reducing the threats posed by vehicle blind spots.
Brigade – you’re safer with us
We have put together a handy infographic for fleet operators to refer to. This infographic breaks down the Highway Code changes, explaining how these will affect drivers and advises of the most suitable commercial vehicle safety systems to assist companies with reducing the threats posed by vehicle blind spots.
Highway Code changes 2021
Brigade busts the myths
Will cyclists be ‘in the middle of the road?
One of the myths doing the rounds currently is that cyclists will be allowed to ride in the middle of the road. However, the Highway Code actually states that cyclists should use the centre of the lane they are in – not the middle of the road – on specific occasions. For example, when approaching junctions or while travelling on narrow sections of road, where a car overtaking them would cause danger or while in heavy traffic. While this is a Highway Code change, it is not new. Cyclists have been advised for years to use this travelling position during these circumstances.
Will cyclists be riding two abreast?
Will cyclists no longer be obliged to use bike lanes?
This isn’t officially a Highway Code change. Rather, it is a clarification of the old Highway Code and now says ‘cyclists may exercise their judgment and are not obliged to use them’