Changes to Highway Code give UK pedestrians priority

A change to the Highway Code has put the pedestrians at the top of a new “road user hierarchy”, been announced by the UK transport secretary.

In order to boost cycling and walking all across Britain, plans will be made as part of £338m package from the Department for Transport (DfT)..

The proposed changes are due to receive parliamentary approval in the autumn, which will give priority to pedestrians at junctions and raise awareness about the dangers of speeding.

The funding is intended to encourage public to make “sustainable travel choices” to make “air cleaner and cities greener”. The DfT said the investment would also be used to upgrade infrastructures such as the construction of hundreds of miles of new cycle lanes.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “Millions of us have found over the past year how cycling and walking are great ways to stay fit, ease congestion on the roads and do your bit for 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.

“This £338m package marks the start of what promises to be a great summer of cycling and walking, enabling more people to make those sustainable travel choices that make our air cleaner and cities greener.”