Drivers urged to learn recent Highway Code changes or face consequences as council issues warning

WATCH: Eamonn Holmes admits he hadn't realised the Highway Code had changed

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GB NEWS

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 09/10/2025

- 08:43

'We don't want to see people getting hurt on the road and we can all do our bit to make sure it doesn't happen'

Motorists are being urged to familiarise themselves with the Highway Code as a major local authority calls on all road users to ensure they are safe on the road.

Liverpool City Council has called on all road users to ensure their knowledge of the Highway Code is sufficient to stay safe when travelling.


It comes as Transport for London launches a new campaign to highlight the importance of road safety, with many road users unaware of the vital rules.

A survey from TfL found that only 16 per cent of people showed a correct understanding of the new rules that were introduced in 2022.

The overhaul of rules was one of the largest updates to the Highway Code in recent years and placed renewed emphasis on all drivers taking responsibility for their actions.

One of the largest updates included in the rules was the creation of a "hierarchy of road users".

This placed more responsibility on those who pose the greatest risk to do more to protect more vulnerable road users.

It also called for drivers to give way to pedestrians at junctions and reminded motorists of safe passing distances when driving around more vulnerable road users.

Cyclist and a copy of the Highway Code

Councillors are urging drivers to refresh their knowledge of the Highway Code

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GETTY/PA

Motorists are encouraged to leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists, and two metres when passing pedestrians or horse riders.

Councillor Dan Barrington, cabinet member for transport and connectivity at Liverpool City Council, called on all road users to familiarise themselves with the Highway Code.

He noted that this applied to everyone who uses the road, no matter the mode of transport, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The Labour councillor for the Yew Tree ward in Liverpool added: "The changes over the past few years are about making roads as safe as possible for everyone.

TfL's new Highway Code campaignThe new TfL Highway Code campaign will focus on five key safety factors | TRANSPORT FOR LONDON

"We don't want to see people getting hurt on the road and we can all do our bit to make sure it doesn't happen."

Mr Barrington emphasised that all road users had a responsibility to keep streets safe for everyone.

The TfL campaign aims to remind road users of the new Highway Code rules, with slogans and advertising spaces being used to support the campaign.

Some of the statements used across London include "give cyclists space", "kill your speed" and "belt up in the back".

TfL's new Highway Code campaignTfL aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2041 | TRANSPORT FOR LONDON

The new campaign forms the basis of London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan's Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from the capital's road network by 2041.

Transport for London has confirmed £87million of funding for boroughs across the capital to boost investment for safer streets.

Commenting on the new scheme, Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner for London, said safer roads were a "key priority" for Sir Khan.

He continued, saying: "Through the Mayor's Vision Zero Strategy, we are doing everything we can to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from our roads and investing record amounts in green transport options and initiatives for Londoners across our city as we build a better and safer London for all."