Highway Code will change AGAIN this year as drivers face more confusion

DRIVERS face yet more confusion with ANOTHER change to the Highway Code set for this year.

New measures will brought in for driverless cars – after changes to rules around priority for pedestrians and cyclists caused chaos.

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According to The Sunday Mirror, the changes come as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is keen for the UK to be the first country to get driverless cars on the roads.

It is understood the new rules will let drivers know when they can take their hands of the wheel – allowing the vehicle to nudge forward in a traffic jam.

But driving experts and politicians have blasted the move – so soon after “confusing” new rules were introduced.

Jack Cousens of the AA said the move was “frustrating”.

Shadow roads minister Gill Furniss said: “This shambolic government are so mired in scandal they can’t even get the basics right.”

She added the Government “hadn’t even bothered” to publicise the previous changes before introducing more.

Tory Peer Anne McIntosh suggested the changes should have been introduced all in one go.

Simon Williams of the RAC said: “It’s vital the changes are crystal clear, otherwise there’s a very real risk drivers will be confused.”

It comes after a raft of new measures brought in last month infuriated drivers.

The rules brought a new risk-based hierarchy, which means those that can do the greatest harm have the most responsibility to reduce the danger to others – here’s what you need to know.

According to The Department for Transport (DfT) the new regulation changes will improve safety for all road users, which have been welcomed by organisations representing cyclists and horse riders.

Edmund King, AA president, said the update is much needed with more “active travel” being encouraged and a boom in deliveries by people on bicycles.

He said: “The upcoming changes to the Highway Code are a reminder that all road users have a responsibility to look after one another, in particular the most vulnerable ones: pedestrian, cyclists, other two-wheeled transport and horse riders.

“There are some significant changes being made, for example around rights of way when turning into or out of a side road.

“As most people do not read the Highway Code once they have passed their test, all drivers will need to ensure they read and understand the new rules before they become live in January.”

But drivers blasted the new hierarchy, claiming cyclists had been taking advantage by slowly peddling in the middle of the road and even taking selfies and laughing, with drivers stuck behind.

And it is also claimed that cars have been failing to stop for pedestrians crossing at junctions, with one local news reporter stuck on the side of the road for around 40 minutes waiting to cross.

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