Following the input from thousands of drivers, Highway England has drafted an updated guidance for The Highway Code with Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to help road users better understand how motorways and high speed roads operate.
The consultation was held between 1 March 2021 and 29 March 2021. The consultation offered stakeholder organisations, businesses and the public the opportunity to comment on proposed amendments to 33 existing rules, two new rules and six proposed changes to the additional information and annexes within The Highway Code. There was overwhelming support for the proposed changes.
The consultation was regarding proposed updates to rules within The Highway Code with the aim of improving safety for users of smart motorways and other high-speed roads through the provision of improved guidance. The proposed amendments to The Highway Code included new and additional guidance on:
- The availability, appearance and safe use of emergency areas
- The use of variable speed limits to manage congestion
- The use of the red ‘X’ sign to close lanes in order to provide a safer area for those involved in traffic incidents and in which road works can be undertaken
- The use of hard shoulders that become extra lanes during periods of congestion
- How road users can help keep themselves safe in the event of a breakdown
- How safety cameras are employed to promote compliance with speed limits and lane closures
The amendments also proposed improved guidance in other areas that are contributing to incidents on motorways and other high-speed roads including:
- Driver fatique
- Unroadworthy vehicles
- Unsafe Towing
- Tailgating
In accordance with section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the revised version of The Highway Code will be laid before both Houses of Parliament for a period of 40 days. If Parliament agrees to the proposed changes, Highway England will then work with the DVSA and The Stationery Office (TSO) to update The Highway Code online during Autumn 2021 and to produce a new printed edition in early 2022. Publication of the updated Highway Code will be publicised by the DVSA and Highways England
As part of the overall safety campaign, the National Highways are currently running a safety campaign giving advice to the driver in an event of a vehicle breakdown on a motorway called “Go Left”. National Highways are setting out what drivers should do if they encounter problems with their vehicle, which is basically “go left”. The campaign is being supported by partners across the recovery industry.
If your vehicle has a problem, or you get into trouble on a motorway, stay calm and try to exit at the next junction or motorway service area. If that’s not possible:
- Put your left indicators on.
- Move into the left lane.
- Enter the next emergency area, or hard shoulder.
- Put your hazard lights on.
- Get behind a safety barrier where there is one – keep well away from moving traffic.
- Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000, then a breakdown provider for help.
Useful Links
- Review of The Highway Code to improve safety on motorways and other high-speed roads
- Go Left Campaign
- Video – Go Left Campaign
- The Highway Code
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