Health, Safety and Environment

Revised Highway Code Launched

23 October 2007

The Department for Transport has issued a revised version of the Highway Code that sets out the latest road safety rules and advice. The Code is substantially updated every eight to ten years, the last significant revision was in 1999.

The Highway Code is essential reading for every road user and members are strongly urged to ensure they are fully aware of the revised Highway Code. Royal Mail and BT operate two of the largest fleets in UK and Europe. Royal Mail also operate a fleet of 30,000 Cycles and the new Highway Code has over 40 rules which have been changed to the benefit of Cyclists.

The new Highway Code stresses the importance of all road users being aware of the Code and being considerate towards each other. Many of the rules in the Highway Code are legal requirements, and if Drivers/Riders disobey these rules they are committing criminal offences. Drivers/Riders may be fined, given penalty points on their licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases Drivers/Riders may be sent to prison. Such rules are identified in the Highway Code by the use of the words 'MUST/MUST NOT'. In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence. An explanation of the abbreviations can be found in the publication "The Road User and the Law".

• According to a new Highway Code, smoking at the wheel is a behaviour that police may be classed as a driver distraction, just like using a mobile phone. Police officers could charge drivers with not being in control of their vehicle.

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties.

There is an online version adapted from the Department for Transport printed version of the Highway Code.