Highway Code confusion: 73% of Brits are confused by new cyclist priority rule

It has been more than two months since changes to the Highway Code were introduced and while there appears to be more awareness of the changes, there is still confusion and lack of understanding.

Looking to discover the nation's views post-Highway Code Changes, we commissioned an online Census survey of 2,012 members of the public to see what their views are.

Nearly three quarters (73%) don't think or are unsure if the recent changes are improving road safety or protecting vulnerable road users, and more than half of those asked admitted they don't feel or are not sure they understand them (55%).

Confusion among the majority

While there is more awareness around the Highway Code changes, our data showed road users are still confused - with 34% admitting they find them too hard to follow.

A large proportion (71%) of the nation think cyclists have complete right of way - as opposed to priority - over cars on UK roads, whereas 80% accurately believe pedestrians are deemed the most vulnerable road users. This suggests that awareness and education surrounding the H2 rule, which states that drivers must give way to pedestrians when crossing at a junction, is clear. However, many are confused by how much priority or ‘right of way' cyclists have over cars.

The rule, or H3 as it is known, states that drivers must give priority to a cyclist when they are turning into or out of a junction, or changing direction or lane, just as they would to other motor vehicles.

Limited benefits

The Highway Code changes were introduced to improve road safety and protect vulnerable road users. However, 33% of those asked said they hadn't seen any benefits from the changes and an even lower proportion (25%) think the roads will be safer.

When asked whether they'd noticed an increase in drivers giving way to pedestrians at crossings since 29 January, 40% of road users stated they hadn't at all. This suggests that while most people understand the H2 rule, they're either not seeing it in action or recognising any benefits.

Calls for driving refresher tests

We also found that 30% of Brits agree that the Highway Code changes should be retracted and 34% find the changes too hard to follow. So, it's no surprise that almost half (49%) of the nation agree drivers should take either a desk-based and/or a practical driving test, following the changes.

Reassuringly, when asked what changes had been made to the Highway Code this year, 47% of 16 to 24-year-olds were aware of at least one main change, with social media being the most popular channel for highlighting the changes. 
We believe that more can be done to help make the roads safer and reduce the potential risk of road accidents.

As Jonathan White, our Legal and Compliance Director, said:

While we welcome the new Highway Code rules, we have also expressed concern about insufficient public education and understanding around the changes. The data from our latest research reflects this.

It's concerning to see that so many road users believe the changes aren't improving safety and still don't know what changes have been made. Some people even believe nothing has altered. So you can see why many people would like to see a refresher driving test put in place.

While the new hierarchy of road users and giving way to pedestrian rules seem to be the most understood, a lot of confusion remains around what priority cyclists now have on the roads.

With new Highway Code rules on mobile phone usage being introduced recently, the existing confusion on the rules set out on 29 January need to be addressed as a priority. In order to see any changes on the roads, we would advise that everyone familiarise themselves with all the new rules as they do provide important guidance when determining who is at fault for an accident.

For more information or to find clear guidance on the changes, please visit our Highway Code changes page.