**Drivers Still Unaware of Key Pedestrian Right of Way Law, Warn Experts**
A significant change to the Highway Code in early 2022 has shifted the responsibilities of motorists at junctions in the UK, yet millions of drivers remain uninformed about their legal obligation to give pedestrians priority waiting to cross. This updated regulation was intended to improve safety, but it appears education surrounding the amendment is still falling short.
The revision, which came into force in January 2022, stipulates that motorists must stop not only for pedestrians already crossing at a junction but also for those who are waiting at the kerb, looking to cross. This means any road junction with a pavement effectively becomes a de facto pedestrian crossing, considerably expanding drivers’ duty of care.
However, road safety experts and insurers say most seasoned motorists are either unaware of, or unclear on, these changes. Many continue to drive based on outdated guidance, putting themselves at risk of prosecution for careless driving if they fail to stop appropriately. The consequences can be severe: motorists convicted of breaking this law could face up to nine penalty points on their licence and a fine as large as £5,000.
Gerry Bucke, general manager at Adrian Flux, a specialist in motor insurance, highlighted the knowledge gap among drivers. “A lot of drivers haven’t revisited the Highway Code since passing their theory test, so the updated rules might as well be a secret,” Bucke commented. He continued: “Many won’t realise how even minor changes in the Code can have a significant impact on their daily driving habits.”
For minor breaches of the updated rule, drivers can expect a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), resulting in an on-the-spot fine of £100 and the possibility of three points added to their licence. Additionally, there is a high likelihood that a conviction for failing to give way will lead to increased insurance premiums – another financial blow for offenders.
The crux of the 2022 Highway Code amendment, found in Rule H2, is unambiguous. It now obliges drivers to “give way” to pedestrians who are waiting to cross or are already in the process of crossing at a junction. The rules also explicitly state that those on a zebra crossing, as well as individuals walking or cycling on a parallel crossing, must be given priority.
This change forms part of a broader effort to re-balance the “hierarchy of road users” on British roads, placing vulnerable road users—such as pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders—at the top. The government’s revamp of the Code followed an extensive public consultation on how best to make streets safer, particularly for people travelling by foot or bicycle.
Despite the good intentions behind the new guidance, the absence of a widespread publicity campaign has left many drivers ignorant of their responsibilities. Safety campaigners say an ongoing push to inform and remind the public is urgently needed to reduce potential collisions and legal pitfalls.
As ever, the burden falls not only on drivers to keep abreast of rule changes, but also on policymakers and the media to ensure clear communication. Regular refresher courses, more visible signage, and targeted awareness campaigns could go a long way in closing the knowledge gap and narrowing the margin for error at the nation’s busy junctions.
Ultimately, the onus is on all road users to work together in fostering a safer environment. With simple awareness and adherence to changed laws, incidents can be reduced and lives protected. As driving regulations evolve, continued education will be pivotal in ensuring that everyone—whether on foot, behind the wheel, or in the saddle—can share the road safely.