The Highway Code has seen some major updates this year - and one in particular has pedestrians concerned it could be dangerous.
The set of rules for UK drivers underwent a revamp back in January, with 50 rules being added as well as updates made to 10 sections.
But one rule has cause confusion among drivers and pedestrians and who has right of way. The update in question was made to rules for pedestrians when crossing at certain roads.
Under the new update, the code clarifies that traffic should give way to those waiting to cross at junctions. When those who have already started crossing a road traffic wants to turn onto, motorists should let them cross safely without disruption.
One concerned citizen took to the popular discussion forum Reddit to voice his worries. Posted on the r/CasualUK forum, the user wrote: "The changes to the Highway Code isn’t getting the awareness it needs. Pretty dangerous situation having cars and pedestrians thinking they both have right of way."
While the Highway Code rule falls in the pedestrian's favour, participants in the discussion believe motorists won't follow the rules and that "cars always win battles with pedestrians".
One person wrote: "I'm not walking out in front of a car coming around a corner no matter what the Highway Code says. I've seen how people drive".
Others recalled their own experiences in situations drivers should have given way to them but failed to do so: "A car was doing an illegal left turn as I was crossing the road a few days ago. It was a pedestrian crossing as well.
"I made sure that I kept well enough away to make sure that I don't get run over because I was in the right."
Another wrote: "As a driver of 20 years, this is the first I knew of it. You would think that when they make big changes like this they would let people know, otherwise the change seems more dangerous than continuity."
According to the government, the new guidelines were been brought in to force to offer protection to all road users, with the emphasis on walkers and cyclists. The updates will also see tougher penalties for some offences, including causing death by dangerous driving or by careless driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: “It is important all road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others. We continue to raise awareness of the Highway Code through our well-respected THINK! Campaign.”
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