Revised Highway Code Unveiled

The first revised Highway Code in eight years has today been unveiled by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick. The updated Code offers the latest road safety rules and advice, as well as promoting greater courtesy and understanding among all road users, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

A new Safety Code for Novice Drivers, to help motorists better navigate their first few months behind the wheel, has also been added. It offers practical advice like "If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don't let them distract you or encourage you to take risks" and "Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly".

The Code has also been updated to include new legislation that has been introduced on vehicle emissions and smoking in vehicles that are work places, as well as the provision of new stopping/directing powers to VOSA and Highways Agency Traffic Officers.

Alongside this, it references new initiatives like Quiet Lanes, High-occupancy Vehicle Lanes, Home Zones and Active Traffic Management schemes that people should be aware of, as well as increasing, re-writing or enhancing existing advice to promote greater co-operation between road users and further promote safety.

CWU's National Health & Safety Officer, Dave Joyce this week highlighted the new version of the Highway Code in letter to CWU Branch Secretary's, USRs, Regional H&S Forums and BTU H&S Co-ords; LTB941/07.

Dave says, " The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The Highway Code is essential reading for every road user and Branches are strongly urged to ensure that our Members who drive are fully aware of the revised Highway Code.

Royal Mail and BT operate two of the largest fleets in UK and Europe and those fleets are driven by CWU members who should be aware of the contents and changes to the new Highway Code."

With regards to cyclists, Dave points out; "Likewise Royal Mail operate a fleet of 30,000 Cycles and the new Highway Code has over 40 rules which have been changed to the benefit of Cyclists."

The new Highway Code is 50% bigger than the previous version, containing 29 more rules, expanding to a mammoth 309-points, 135 pages, and a new safety code for novice drivers. There's a greater emphasis on promoting courtesy and understanding among road users, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

The Code is substantially updated every 8-10 years. The last significant revision was in 1999.

Members can download the full LTB941/07 in pdf form here

Access the new Highway Code here

Source: GNN press release / CWU

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