In January 2022, the UK Highway Code went through one of its most important updates in recent years. At the centre of this was the new Hierarchy of Road Users, which places the greatest responsibility on those who can cause the most harm — motorists — to protect those most vulnerable: pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.
One of the clearest changes was to Rule 170, supported by Rule H2, which states:
“Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way.”
This means that if a pedestrian is standing at the kerb, preparing to cross at a junction, the driver should wait — not push ahead.
What the Rule Means in Practice
- Pedestrians don’t need to be halfway across the road before they “count.” Waiting to cross is enough.
- Drivers should slow down when approaching junctions, anticipating people who might step out.
- The responsibility is placed firmly on the driver to look out for those more vulnerable.
In short: the law has shifted to protect people on foot, not just cars on the road.
The Reality: Do Drivers Follow It?
This is where the picture gets less reassuring.
- Surveys after the 2022 changes showed many drivers weren’t even aware of the update.
- Compliance is mixed: in some busy areas like central London, more drivers appear to follow the rule. In quieter suburban or rural areas, pedestrians often find themselves ignored.
- With little enforcement, the change relies heavily on awareness and courtesy.
So while the rule is clear, many drivers behave as though nothing has changed — turning across people at junctions or expecting pedestrians to wait until traffic passes.
Why It Matters
Junctions are among the most dangerous points for pedestrians, as cars turning in or out often cut across their path. Giving priority to those crossing or waiting to cross is designed to:
- Reduce accidents.
- Make walking feel safer and more appealing.
- Shift road culture toward protecting the most vulnerable.
But until more drivers get the message, pedestrians may still feel that their “priority” only exists on paper.
Advice for Pedestrians
- Know your rights: You do have priority at junctions under Rule 170/H2.
- Stay visible: Eye contact and body language can help drivers notice you.
- Be cautious: Sadly, some drivers won’t stop even when they should.
A Shift in Culture Still Needed
Other countries — such as Germany and the Netherlands — have long respected pedestrian priority at junctions. The UK’s law now aligns with them, but public behaviour hasn’t fully caught up.
Until there’s stronger education and enforcement, pedestrians will continue to face a gap between the rules in the Highway Code and the reality on Britain’s roads.
✅ Bottom line: The Highway Code is clear — drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions. But in practice, many drivers still ignore the rule, leaving pedestrians stuck between legal rights and real-world risks.
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