The modifications, that are set to be launched on January 29, 2022, will create a “hierarchy of road users”. From this date, the Highway Code will state that pedestrians and cyclists could have precedence over motorists at junctions, following a public session earlier in 2021.
Talking on GB News, a panel of hosts spoke in regards to the upcoming modifications to the Freeway Code, commenting on their combined emotions.
James Woudhuysen, visiting professor at London South Financial institution College, stated: “I’m very hostile to the warfare on the automotive.
“I feel it’s honest, I’d slightly not discuss it as a ‘hierarchy of vulnerabilities’.
“Essentially the most putting factor in regards to the proposals is that they’re grounded within the doctrine that biking ought to be seen as a type of mass transit.
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“If I used to be strolling throughout a small street and a automotive needed to show left into it, I assumed I had precedence.”
Polly MacKenzie, Chief Govt of Demos, additionally commented on the idea that pedestrians already had the suitable of means when it got here to junctions.
“You completely are suggested that if somebody is strolling within the street, [as a driver] it’s best to wait and provides precedence to the pedestrian.
“In case you are driving round a number of tonnes of metallic, you must take accountability for the influence that metallic could have on different individuals.
“The identical goes for in the event you’re on a motorbike, then completely it’s best to take accountability for that because the bigger street person.”
Host Michelle Dewberry requested whether or not cyclists ought to be compelled to pay insurance coverage on their automobile.
She argued {that a} bicycle owner may scratch the facet of the automotive and journey off with out “any recourse”, whereas if a automotive driver crashed into one other automotive, they must pay.
James Woudhuysen responded, saying: “I detect amongst a few of my fellow cyclists that they’re principally self-righteous, saving the planet and might do something that they like at site visitors lights.
“I’m not saying all of them. I’m saying that a few of them really feel privileged on this means.
“Now we may get on to electric scooters and the menace they symbolize.
“They’re one thing, there’s little question about it.”
Talking in settlement with Mr Woudhuysen, the previous Labour adviser stated: “I’m amazed extra individuals aren’t killed on them.”
