The changes to driving laws will come into force on January 29 and will introduce a new hierarchy of road users. These changes come as the Government has invested £338million into promoting cycling and walking.
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A third of motorists polled for the AA said they did not know the Highway Code is being revamped, and one in 25 said they have “no intention” of looking at the details.
Breaking the new rules could leave drivers with fines of up to £1,000 and points on their license under the Highway Code penalty rules.
Injury lawyer Peter Lorence said the changes are “largely very welcome” and will be “an important step towards eliminating deaths and serious injuries on our roads”.
Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s head of campaigns, told Sky News: “The changes to the Highway Code will happen overnight, so it is frustrating official communications come only after their introduction.
“That helps no one – neither the walkers and cyclists the rules are meant to protect, nor the drivers who are somehow meant to telepathically know about them.
“These are fundamental changes about the way we use our roads, it’s essential we have a long-term well-funded public awareness campaign to make that change happen.”
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