Highways England has drafted updated guidance for The Highway Code with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to help road users better understand how motorways and high-speed roads operate.
More than 3,200 people and organisations responded to a consultation on the guidance, with their comments directly leading to it being amended and improved. The amendments are expected to become part of The Highway Code later this year.
The update will include:
- Clearer advice on where to stop in an emergency
- The importance of not driving in a lane closed by a Red X
- The use of variable speed limits to manage congestion
- Updated guidance on key factors that contribute to safety-related incidents, including driving while tired, unroadworthy vehicles, safe towing, tailgating and driving in roadworks
“The updates to The Highway Code will help everyone who uses our busiest roads,” said Jeremy Phillips, Highways England’s Head of Road Safety.
“Thanks to the input from road users, we have been able to produce clearer guidance on how to use our motorways and major A-roads which will make journeys even safer.”
In total, 33 existing rules will be amended, and two new rules will be introduced. The results of the consultation can be viewed here.
Highways England has also launched a campaign to help road users to understand what to do in an emergency on a motorway or high-speed road. For more information, visit the campaign webpage.
