CONSULT.Outcome publishedConsultation · gov.uk
Review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders
Proposes amending The Highway Code to introduce a hierarchy of road users, clarify pedestrian and cyclist priority, and establish safer overtaking.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
Detail
Consultation seeking views on proposed changes to The Highway Code to improve safety for vulnerable road users, particularly:
- cyclists
- pedestrians
- horse riders
The main alterations to the code being proposed are:
- introducing a hierarchy of road users to ensure those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
- clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road
- providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority when travelling straight ahead
- establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders
Documents
Summary of the consultation proposals on a review of The Highway CodeConsultation on a review of The Highway Codeapplication/pdfGovernment response to the review of The Highway Code Proposed alterations to The Highway Codeapplication/pdfTable of proposed changes to The Highway Codeapplication/pdfProposed alterations to The Highway Code: explanatory memorandumapplication/pdf