A major revamp of the Highway Code to boost protection for cyclists and pedestrians does not currently apply in Northern Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed.
The changes, which came into force on Saturday in England, Scotland and Wales, includes new guidance that traffic should give way when pedestrians are crossing or waiting to cross at junctions.
Cyclists are also advised to ride in the centre of lanes on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic, and when approaching junctions, to make themselves as visible as possible.
A hierarchy of road users is also being introduced, meaning someone driving will have more responsibility to watch out for people cycling, walking, or riding a horse, and cyclists will have more responsibility to be aware of pedestrians.
The Highway Code contains advice and rules for people on Britain’s roads. Nine sections have been updated, with 50 rules added or amended. The changes are advisory, so non-compliance will not result in a fine.
But while news of the changes has been shared widely on social media across Northern Ireland, in fact they do not apply to this part of the UK for now.
Northern Ireland has its own Official Highway Code, which is "based on the Great Britain version" but with "some differences".
According to the NI Direct website: "Although Northern Ireland road safety legislation continues to be brought into line with that in Great Britain, there are some differences which it has been necessary to reflect in this issue.
"For example, many Northern Ireland road users may not be familiar with equestrian crossings or trams. References to these issues have however been included as Northern Ireland residents who plan to visit Great Britain might find them helpful.
"It is recommended that anyone, especially drivers,intending to visit Great Britain should also purchase the Great Britain version of The Highway Code.
"It is also recommended that anyone intending to visit the Republic of Ireland should purchase a copy of ‘Rules of the Road’and note particularly that all speed limit signs in the Republic of Ireland relate to kilometres per hour."
A DfI spokesperson told Belfast Live on Monday: “The Department is aware of the changes to the Highway Code for Great Britain currently being implemented and will consider whether corresponding amendments are required for the Northern Ireland Highway Code.
“A review of the Highway Code will be considered as part of the work on the new Road Safety Strategy.
“Departmental officials are now considering the responses to the consultation before providing the Minister with a final report for her consideration, in advance of a final strategy being published by spring 2022.”
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