Why drivers could be fined for not giving way to cyclists and pedestrians at junctions
You may be forced to let all cyclists carry on straight and let people cross the road before you can drive around a corner, as the Highway Code goes under review
DRIVERS may soon be forced to give way to cyclists and pedestrians before turning - or face being fined - as the Highway Code goes under review to prioritise their safety.
The proposal follows recent figures revealing 101 cyclist deaths in 2017 caused by road traffic collisions, mainly at junctions when cars turn left.
The review specifically addresses the junction danger amongst a wider campaign for change, including drivers adopting the Dutch Reach technique to avoid hitting cyclists with car doors.
A hierarchy of road users could be "strongly embedded" into the Highway Code, according to the Department for Transport's , with pedestrians given priority of way, followed by cyclists and then motorists.
Although a fine has not been set, careless and inconsiderate driving can land you an unlimited fine and up to nine points on your licence.
Highways England also announced today a £3million contract has been awarded to UK charity Sustrans to help improve the National Cycle Network.
In addition to pothole fixes, the review also calls for more cycle lanes and a speed limit of 20mph for most streets in built-up areas.
Jesse Norman, Cycling and Walking Minister, said: "Britain has some of the safest roads in the world, but we need them to be safer still for all – and particularly for cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
"Cycling and walking are increasingly being understood as crucial parts of an integrated approach to issues of health, obesity, air quality and town and city planning. But this will only happen if people feel safe on the roads.
"These measures are part of a steady process of improvement and reform designed to achieve just that."
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Joe Irvin, Chief Executive of Living Streets, added: "This is a major victory. When we walk our streets, we should not have to feel endangered by traffic.
"People walking and cycling do not cause road danger, congestion or toxic air levels, and yet they’re the ones who too often pay the price on our roads.
"Last year, there was a five-per-cent rise in pedestrian fatalities - this cannot continue.
"A revision to update the Highway Code is needed to make people walking and cycling feel safer, and to encourage more people to choose these cleaner and healthier ways to travel."
Sun Motors also recently warned cyclists about the penalties they face if they creep over the stop line at a red light - a common practice in a bid to jump cars for their 'safety'.