The Manx Highway Code, which is used in the Isle of Man, is set to be updated this Autumn for the first time in over a decade, officials have confirmed.
The revised code, which was last updated in 2014, will change this year to adopt guidance and rules from the UK's Highway Code, with drivers urged to stay up-to-date with the new rules.
The Department of Infrastructure announced that the "long overdue" updates will include new rules giving pedestrians greater priority at junctions.
Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood said the department hoped to publish the revised code by the end of the summer.
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The Manx Highway Code will be updated this Autumn
PA/GETTYThe new code will ensure that those driving vehicles have greater responsibility towards more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
Under the changes, pedestrians crossing or about to cross side roads will have the right of way over vehicles or cyclists entering or exiting the side road, meaning cars must stop and let them pass.
The updates represent what Haywood described as a "cultural change" away from harm reduction and towards "safer roads in general" with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable users.
When overtaking, drivers will need to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space and at least two metres for people walking on roads without pavements.
The code will offer more safety measures for pedestrians
PAThe code will also encourage drivers to adopt the "Dutch reach" method when exiting vehicles.
This involves opening the door with their left hand to improve visibility behind them and reduce the risk of hitting passing cyclists.
Drivers will need to be more aware of their responsibility towards vulnerable road users, with the changes requiring what Haywood called "a shift in mindset" that may "take a little while for people to bed in with".
The new code also includes guidance for cyclists' positioning on the road and behaviour when riding in groups.
Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and horse riders on shared paths and bridleways, but can overtake slow-moving traffic on either the left or right side, taking appropriate care.
Cyclists going straight ahead at side road crossings will have priority over vehicles turning into or out of junctions.
Haywood emphasised that the update was "really about focusing on road safety for the most vulnerable users."
"It is anticipated the revised Manx Highway Code will be published this year, in what will be the Island's first revision to the Manx Highway Code since 2014," she told Tynwald, the High Court.
The new version of the Manx Highway Code will continue to adopt guidance and rules from the UK's Official Highway Code, but with "specified Manx modifications" to reflect local conditions.
These modifications will include references to Manx legislation and amendments for local variations, such as the horse trams that operate on the island as well as on unrestricted roads.
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The Highway Code changes hope to add more safety to pedestrians and cyclists
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"The new version of the Manx Highway Code will continue, as in previous versions, to adopt the guidance and rules from the UK's Official Highway Code, subject to specified Manx modifications," Haywood explained in her written response.
Ahead of the changes, a communications campaign will be launched to ensure road users are aware of the changes before the revised Manx Highway Code is published.
