Drivers Need To Be Aware Of Roundabout Rule Change Coming Into Force Next Week
Drivers in the UK have been warned about a change to the Highway Code that could land them in hot water if broken once it comes into force.
It’s to do with roundabouts, and it makes quite a bit of sense once you think about it.
So, the new rule comes in on 29 January and basically rejigs the hierarchy of the road based upon who is at the most risk at roundabouts.
Under the new law, those who can cause the most harm on the roads will bear a higher burden of responsibility to prevent accidents and – in theory – increase awareness, causing less injuries and deaths on the road.
Rule 186 says that those driving cars and other motorised vehicles will have to give priority to cyclists at roundabouts.
It reads: "You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.
"Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.
"Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout.
"Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout."
With the rules changing once again, it’s worth remembering that this matters to everyone with a driving licence, because it’s the responsibility of everyone on the road to keep up to date with the Highway Code.
Despite that, recent research from the AA found that only one third of motorists are aware that the rules are changing.
That has led some to complain that the rule change hasn’t been publicised well enough.
Duncan Dollimore, from Cycling UK told The Mirror: "Many people won't have read the Highway Code for years so it's essential that the key changes are clearly explained, with simple, accurate and memorable messages."
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: "The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were announced to national press.
"The department has established a working group of key organisations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond."
Tom Wood