A new initiative, backed by Sir Sadiq Khan, from Transport for London aims to improve road safety knowledge after research revealed widespread ignorance of crucial Highway Code regulations.
The transport authority discovered that just 16 per cent of London residents demonstrated proper comprehension of five essential rules meant to safeguard those most at risk on the capital's streets.
The awareness drive arrives amid concerning casualty statistics from 2024, when pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists represented 81 per cent of all road fatalities and serious injuries - totalling 2,988 individuals.
These vulnerable road users remain disproportionately endangered despite regulatory updates introduced in 2022, which many have admitted to not knowing about.
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Transport for London is launching the new Highway Code initiative alongside
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The campaign, backed by the Department for Transport, seeks to address this knowledge gap through multiple channels.
TfL's research indicates many motorists remain unaware of their legal obligations under the Highway Code, particularly regarding provisions designed to protect those travelling without the protection of a vehicle.
The multi-platform initiative will utilise roadside displays throughout London's transport infrastructure, alongside targeted content on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Digital video advertisements will also form part of the comprehensive outreach effort.
The campaign specifically addresses five Highway Code regulations where research indicates poor adherence and comprehension.
The new TfL Highway Code campaign will focus on five key safety factors
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These include mandatory stops for pedestrians at zebra crossings, requirements to yield to people crossing when vehicles turn, and obligations to allow cyclists priority before turning.
Additional focus areas include stopping for pedestrians at zebra crossings on cycle tracks and the requirement for cyclists to halt at red traffic signals. Each rule carries legal weight, though public awareness remains limited.
The timing coincides with broader infrastructure improvements, as TfL continues collaborating with borough councils to enhance safety measures across the capital's road network.
Motorists must come to a complete halt when pedestrians are crossing at zebra crossings, not merely slow down or attempt to pass behind them.
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When making turns, drivers face dual obligations, namely allowing pedestrians to complete their crossing before proceeding and permitting cyclists to pass first rather than cutting across their path.
These requirements apply regardless of whether the vulnerable road user has already begun their manoeuvre.
Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, emphasised Mayor Sadiq Khan's commitment to road safety: "Making London's roads safer for everyone is a key priority for the Mayor and this important campaign, supported by the Government, is part of the work we're doing to ensure people are aware of the rules of the road."
He added that record investments in sustainable transport options support the Mayor's Vision Zero Strategy, which targets the elimination of road deaths and serious injuries by 2041.
The campaign will be publicised on social media sites
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The campaign also emphasises that zebra crossings situated on cycle tracks carry identical legal requirements - vehicles must stop for crossing pedestrians.
For cyclists themselves, the initiative reinforces that red traffic lights require mandatory stops, addressing a common misconception about exemptions for those on two wheels.
TfL has allocated £87million in protected funding for London's boroughs to enhance street safety measures, which could facilitate the construction of 95 kilometres of additional cycling infrastructure over the coming three years, pending future budget approvals.
Additional safety initiatives include the Direct Vision Standard for heavy goods vehicles, which TfL estimates prevents six fatalities annually by eliminating dangerous blind spots. The Safer Junctions programme has completed improvements at 45 locations, with ongoing construction at Lambeth Bridge and Battersea Bridge.
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Lilli Matson, TfL's Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, stated: "We are proud to launch this new campaign to raise awareness of the Highway Code, with a particular focus on the rules that protect people walking and cycling.
"This campaign is an important reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility, and by following the Highway Code, we can all play a part in creating a safer and more sustainable transport network for everyone in London."
Similarly, Howard Jones, RoadPeace CEO, offered a stark warning: "Breaking the rules can break people."
He emphasised that adherence to traffic regulations enables communities to function safely, adding that when heavy machinery like cars is "operated unwisely and unthinkingly selfishly", the consequences can prove fatal.