Drivers issued urgent Highway Code reminder to avoid £100 fine
Drivers are being cautioned they could be hit with a £100 fine due to a Highway Code amendment from 2022, with 2 in 5 motorists still oblivious to the significant update rolled out 3 years ago. The "hierarchy" of road users was brought in with considerable publicity in 2022, yet 3 out of 10 drivers confessed they weren't certain if such a regulation existed, whilst 12 per cent thought it was untrue.
An overwhelming 85 per cent understood that motorists planning to turn left must allow cyclists to pass on the left before carrying out the turn. Meanwhile, 80 per cent recognised that drivers should maintain at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists at speeds up to 30mph, and give additional room when overtaking at greater speeds.
However, only half of those polled knew that the revised code officially recommended situations where cyclists could ride two abreast in the middle of the lane, reports the Mirror. And 56 per cent of drivers wrongly assumed long-established rules about when a horn shouldn't be sounded were brought in during 2022.
Not only this, but 42 per cent of respondents mistakenly thought that the national speed limit for pulling a trailer or caravan had been cut to 50mph on a single carriageway.
The Highway Code modification favoured cyclists and pedestrians, with motorists facing £100 fines for 'careless driving' conduct. Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, voiced his concern, saying: "While the majority of drivers can recall important updates to the Highway Code, the flagship change that puts more responsibility on those behind the wheel remains unknown by too many drivers.
"Three in 10 drivers admit they haven't looked at the Highway Code since they passed their test. New drivers and those learning to drive will be the ones most aware of the update, but it is long-standing motorists that need to be contacted to ensure they know the rules.
"It's vital that we keep reminding drivers of these changes, which can make our roads safer and reduces crashes. Each year, millions of drivers are contacted with car tax reminders and licence renewals. This would be the ideal opportunity to inform everyone of the updated rules and keep the changes at the front of their minds."
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