Government launches new THINK! campaign to improve awareness of new Highway Code rules

3 minute read|18th Jul 2022

People driving, walking, and cycling in the UK are being encouraged to give space and be considerate to other road users in the Government’s latest THINK! road safety campaign.

The ‘Travel Like You Know Them’ campaign promotes recent changes to the Highway Code, which happened earlier this year, and is aiming to improve safety for all road users.

These were the biggest changes to the code in many years, and efforts are being made to improve the safety of the most vulnerable road users.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "These changes to the Highway Code are substantial, so it’s vitally important they are communicated clearly. In theory, they should make our roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians, but unless everyone is aware of them, there’s a risk of angry clashes and, worse still, unnecessary collisions.”

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “People tend to see cycles, lorries and cars on the roads rather than thinking of the person using them – but it could be your family member, your friend or your colleague.

“We have some of the safest roads in the world, but I am determined to make them even safer, particularly as more people choose to walk, cycle and ride for their journeys.

“This campaign encourages everyone to see the person behind the wheel or handlebars, to build more understanding of others on the road, and help keep everyone safe.

“Travel Like You Know Them’ aims to foster mutual respect to embed the new Highway Code rules in the day-to-day behaviour of people driving, walking and cycling alike.”

But what changes have been made?

With the confusion facing UK road users since the changes to the Highway Code, the RAC have highlighted the new 'hierarchy of road users'.

Pedestrians
Cyclists
Horse riders
Motorcyclists
Cars and taxis
Vans and minibuses
HGVs

However, there are several other changes that all road users need to be aware of before they head out on their next journey. In total, there are 8 major changes to take into consideration, however, we have summarised the main points here – including ‘pedestrian priority’ and ‘safe passing distances’.

Following the changes in January, the RAC surveyed 2000 UK drivers on the recent changes – highlighting the importance of the THINK! campaign.

In total, 67% felt that there had not been enough publicity about the changes, a majority (47%) of drivers had not actively looked into any updates to the Highway Code.

Only 27% of those surveyed were ‘familiar with some, if not all of the changes affecting me as a driver, but not all of them’.

Interestingly, another survey from IAM RoadSmart revealed that almost two thirds (59%) of UK motorists believe that there will be more conflict on the nation's roads as a result of the introduction of the new hierarchy of road users.