DRIVERS are being urged to check out The Highway Code’s rule changes for using a roundabout.
Motorists will need to be extra vigilant of those around them on the road, and especially cyclists.
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The changes to the 2022 Highway Code take effect from January 29.
A “hierarchy of road users” will be brought into place, ranking road users depending on who would be most at risk in terms of an accident.
Larger vehicles, such as HGVs, are the least at risk but cyclists are the second highest, only after pedestrians who are deemed the most vulnerable.
Three extra “H” rules have been brought in to clarify the hierarchy.
Rule H3, aimed at drivers and motorcyclists, says: “You should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary. This includes when cyclists are:
- approaching, passing or moving off from a junction
- moving past or waiting alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic
- travelling around a roundabout
Extra clarity has been set out in rule 186 of The Highway Code to reflect any changes.
No longer will drivers be able to overtake cyclists as they are going around a roundabout.
They must also make sure they are giving cyclists plenty of room.
The revised Rule 186 says: “You [driver] 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.”
Motorists will still be able to overtake cyclists when travelling along roads.
As a guide, drivers must leave at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking cyclists in speeds of up to 30mph.
At speeds faster than 30mph, drivers must be giving even more space.
Rule 163 will say: “As a guide: − leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.”
Elsewhere, make sure you’re following The Highway Code, some rules can see you slapped with a fine.
Plus, keep up to date with all the changes coming in the revised 2022 Highway Code.
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