Labour could be set to launch a fresh awareness push around changes to the Highway Code, after ministers acknowledged that existing rules are still being ignored by drivers.
The Department for Transport confirmed it is considering new education campaigns following concerns that the Highway Code updates from 2022 have not yet been fully accepted and implemented by motorists despite earlier advertising efforts.
The move comes after Labour MP Danny Beales asked whether the Transport Secretary had "assessed the merits" of launching a new campaign on the updated Highway Code rules, which strengthened protections for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said improving awareness of the Highway Code remained a priority as part of plans to reduce road deaths and serious injuries.
She pointed to the newly published Road Safety Strategy earlier this month, which sets out long-term plans to improve safety across the road network.
The Labour MP for Nottingham South added: "Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users."
"That is why on January 7, 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all."
The Highway Code was last significantly updated in 2022, with the changes proving controversial at the time, with critics warning that many motorists were unaware of the new rules.
The Government plans to introduce more awareness campaigns for the Highway Code
| GETTY/PAMs Greenwood said the Government had already invested in advertising to promote the changes, including nationwide campaigns under the THINK! road safety brand.
The Department for Transport ran a large-scale advertising campaign to raise awareness of Highway Code changes in 2022.
She added that the Department would continue to promote the rules through ongoing radio advertising and online activity.
However, the minister noted that existing efforts have not gone far enough and that further action would now be under consideration.
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The Government admitted more work would be needed to raise awareness of the Highway Code changes
|GETTY
Ms Greenwood said: "More work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course."
As part of Labour's broader road safety plans, the Government revealed it is also preparing a new "lifelong learning" approach to road safety education, aimed at drivers and other road users of all ages.
The Local Transport Minister said ministers believe better education is essential as roads and vehicle technology continue to evolve.
"As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety," she said.
The Highway Code was updated in 2022 to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists | DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORTFor the first time, the Government plans to publish national guidance on road safety education, training and publicity, alongside more help for local authorities and organisations.
The proposed campaign is likely to reignite debates around the Highway Code changes, which were criticised by some motoring groups for being poorly communicated and difficult to understand.
Lara O’Donnell, head of personal injury at CEL Solicitors, said: "The Highway Code was updated as part of a wider effort to improve public safety and prioritise vulnerable road users.
"Despite the change being nearly three years old, many road users fail to follow this rule, which can increase the risk of accidents at junctions where pedestrians presume priority but motorists don't stop."