Highway Code: Changes will help cyclists and pedestrians

Pedestrian safety will be prioritised ahead of cars in a brand new version of the Highway Code.

The Highway Code is a set of rules and information for drivers and road users in the United Kingdom to follow - all built around safety.

Under the new changes, people who choose to walk - including children on their way to school - will have greater priority over cars at junctions and crossings.

The government has also announced that it will spend £338 million to boost cycling and walking, so to encourage more climate friendly travel.

The money will be used to build hundreds of miles of new cycle lanes.

Cyclists will also have priority over cars at junctions when travelling straight ahead.

Under the current code, traffic does not have to give way at a zebra crossing until a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing.

At the same time, pedestrians are told they should not start to cross until the vehicles on the road have stopped.

The current code also tells motorists turning into a road at a junction to give way to pedestrians "if they have started to cross".

All of this will change to make sure the pedestrian is prioritised ahead of traffic when they approach a crossing.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said cycling and walking help people keep fit, reduce congestion and help the environment.

"As we build back greener from the pandemic, we're determined to keep that trend going by making active travel easier and safer for everyone," he added.

Living Streets - a charity which wants more walkable towns and cities - has welcomed the change, saying it'll make crossings a lot safer for children.

Stephen Edwards, the charity's leader said: "The Highway Code currently treats children walking to school and lorry drivers as if they are equally responsible for their own or other people's safety. This will redress that balance."

The changes haven't happened yet and are due to published in the Autumn.

When they do get published, they will affect England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own version of the code.