From January the 29th, new rules have been introduced by the Department of Transport with regards to the Highway Code. The new code is basically affecting cyclists on the road. There are also new penalties to be aware of if the new rules are broken.
Now all cyclists are given the right of way to be in the middle of the road in situations where required. Instead of taking the normal position of being on the left-hand side when approaching junctions and on empty roads. No change in this rule even if there’s a cycling lane, they’re not obliged by law to use it.
The new changes will mainly affect cyclists and pedestrians, giving them more priority on the roads and drivers having to yield whenever the situation arises. However, some critics have voiced concerns about a possible increase in accidents and tensions between cyclists and drivers.
Director of Policy
Part of the new rules states that drivers will now have to leave a gap of at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists. Those who do not follow the new rules will incur much heavier penalties such as £200 fines and up to six points for motorists. With the announcement of the new changes, road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has added to the concerns by saying these changes may cause an upturn in road rage involving cyclists and drivers.Director of Policy
Neil Greig, the Director of policy and research explained to The Times newspaper: “A lot of drivers are going to think that somebody cycling in the middle of the lane in front of them is doing it to deliberately slow them down. That leads to conflict road rage and inappropriate overtaking. Everybody needs to know all of these changes at the same time for it to work.”
Another part of the changes being made by the Highway Code is how drivers will now use roundabouts and the law will now require those who can cause the greatest harm to others to have an increased level of responsibility to reduce the danger.
Under rule 186 which is an added new section, drivers on the road will need to give priority to cyclists at roundabouts. The new rule states the following: “You 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.”
In all changes, it will be the driver’s responsibility to remain up-to-date with changes to the Highway Code, but in a recent AA survey, only a third of motorists were aware of the amendment.
Transitioning
The UK used car market is currently in the process of transitioning due to climate change and advancements in technology. Once upon a time, we solely relied on fossil fuel cars, and now as you probably know, these are going to start being phased out, and we will be more reliant on used electric vehicles like, used hybrid cars, and used electric cars. With more cities launching Ulez car zones, car owners are having to upgrade their old cars in order to comply with the new emission standards that are being placed within these zones, or the alternative is to pay charges and steep fines if drivers do not comply.
The best place to purchase online
At Best Price Car Sales, we not only stock Ulez-compliant used cars but also quality used hybrid cars and used electric cars. We can even take your old car so you can use it as part-exchange and we’ll value it fairly for you over the phone and happily pick it up after we deliver your car to your doorstep or place of work totally free of charge.
With one of the widest selections of quality used cars in the UK, we’re sure we can find the right quality used car for you. Even if you have outstanding finance on your old car, we can get it settled so you’re able to drive away in a newer used car within a few days.
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Image kindly supplied by eBike Shed Ltd