Who Comes First? Understanding the Highway Code’s Hierarchy of Road Users

The Highway Code is a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at promoting road safety and responsible driving, covering essential topics such as traffic signs, road markings and speed limits. In a 2022 update, the hierarchy of road users was introduced to enhance road safety further by prioritising the most vulnerable. But what does this mean for you? Motorscan has been looking into the changes to bring you a breakdown of the key points, explain the different categories of road users, and show how understanding the hierarchy can help everyone stay safer on the road.

What is the Hierarchy of Road Users?

In 2022, the hierarchy of road users was introduced to improve road safety, prioritising the most vulnerable road users—such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders—over those in larger, more protected vehicles. The key principle behind this is that those who can cause the greatest harm, such as drivers of motor vehicles, bear the greatest responsibility for ensuring the safety of others. Implementing this system encourages more considerate driving and promotes awareness of the risks posed to vulnerable road users, ultimately aiming to reduce accidents and save lives.

What are the Categories of Road Users in the Hierarchy?

The hierarchy of road users prioritises safety by categorising road users from the most vulnerable to those with the greatest potential to cause harm. Here’s a breakdown of each group:

• Pedestrians: The most vulnerable group, with a particular focus on children, older adults, and disabled individuals.
• Cyclists and Horse Riders: Cyclists are more vulnerable than those in motorised vehicles, but they still have responsibilities to cycle cautiously in pedestrianised shared spaces.
• Motorcyclists: They are more vulnerable than occupants in a car and must interact carefully with other road users.
• Car and Van Drivers: Drivers in this category are responsible for being aware of and protecting more vulnerable road users, particularly in shared spaces.
• HGVs, Lorries, and Buses: These are the largest vehicles with the greatest potential to cause harm; therefore, they hold the greatest responsibility for ensuring safety.

2022 Highway Code Changes

The 2022 update to the Highway Code introduced several key changes aimed at enhancing road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users: 

• Prioritisation of Pedestrians: Pedestrians now have priority when crossing roads at crossings and junctions, making their safety a higher priority. If a pedestrian is waiting to cross at a junction, vehicles must stop to allow them to cross, regardless of whether there is an official crossing. For example, you must give way if a pedestrian is crossing or waiting to cross a road into which you are turning into or from which you are turning out of. 
• Cyclists Given Priority at Junctions: Cyclists are now given priority when travelling straight ahead at junctions, ensuring their path is clear before vehicles turn or cross.
• Cyclist Lane Positioning: Cyclists are encouraged to position themselves in the centre of the lane on quieter roads, in slow-moving traffic, or when approaching junctions, helping them stay visible and safe.
• Clearer Overtaking Guidance: Drivers are given clearer guidance on safely overtaking cyclists and horse riders, including a required minimum passing distance of at least 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists and 2 meters for horses.
• Strengthened “Dutch Reach” Technique: Drivers are now required to use the “Dutch Reach” technique, where they open the car door from the inside using their left hand (the hand furthest from the door), reducing the risk of hitting cyclists or pedestrians with the door. 

Common Questions and FAQs answered by Motorscan

• Why was the hierarchy introduced?

This was introduced to improve road safety by prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable groups, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. It establishes a framework where road users capable of causing greater harm bear a higher level of responsibility to minimise risks and protect others, thereby fostering safer and more considerate interactions on the road.

• Does the hierarchy mean pedestrians and cyclists have no responsibility?

No, the hierarchy of road users does not mean pedestrians and cyclists have no responsibility. While they are prioritised as vulnerable road users, they are still expected to follow the rules and act with care and awareness. The hierarchy guidelines ensure that those who can cause greater harm take on more responsibility, but all road users share the duty to promote safety.

• What are the minimum passing distances for overtaking cyclists?

The minimum passing distances for overtaking cyclists are at least 1.5 metres (approximately 5 feet) at speeds of 30 mph, and for speeds over 30 mph, you should leave more space for safety. 

• Are these changes legally enforceable?

Some changes introduced are legally enforceable where they align with existing laws, such as giving way to pedestrians at junctions or maintaining safe passing distances when overtaking cyclists and horse riders. Other aspects, like riding in the centre of the lane, are advisory, serving as guidance to help improve safety and awareness.

• Do these changes affect rural or urban roads differently?

The guidelines apply universally across both rural and urban roads, but their impact may differ based on road conditions. For example, changes like prioritising pedestrians and cyclists at junctions in urban areas are more noticeable due to higher foot and cycle traffic. The focus on safe passing distances for cyclists and horse riders in rural areas becomes even more relevant, given the narrow and winding roads common in the countryside.