I tried out the new Highway Code and most drivers couldn’t care less… most don’t even stop for pedestrians

, when one intrepid reporter tried out the new rules, barely any drivers bothered to adhere to them.

The updates to the Highway Code have brought a new risk-based hierarchy, which means those that can do the greatest harm have the most responsibility to reduce the danger to others.

It means cars need to give way to pedestrians wanting to cross the road at a junction - sparking fears it could encourage people to walk in the road.

And according the news website, cars failed to stop for their reporter when they indicated that they would like to cross at Harrow Road and Gaul Street, in South West Leicester.

It is reported that 11 cars passed in a space of 40 minutes.

Only one waited for the reporter to cross.

But according to the Department for Transport (DfT) the new regulation changes will improve safety for all road users, and have been welcomed by organisations representing cyclists and horse riders.

Edmund King, AA president, said the update is much needed with more "active travel" being encouraged and a boom in deliveries by people on bicycles.

He said: “The upcoming changes to the Highway Code are a reminder that all road users have a responsibility to look after one another, in particular the most vulnerable ones: pedestrian, cyclists, other two-wheeled transport and horse riders.

“There are some significant changes being made, for example around rights of way when turning into or out of a side road.

"As most people do not read the Highway Code once they have passed their test, all drivers will need to ensure they read and understand the new rules before they become live in January.”