UK motorists are calling for the new Highway Code rules to be scrapped less than a week after they were introduced.
Starting January 29, the Highway Code was updated to try and make roads more safe for cyclists and pedestrians, but drivers have argued that they may actually make roads more dangerous.
The changes affect right of way at roundabouts, and inform drivers that they should use the 'Dutch reach' method of opening their door.
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Action group Voters for Motors have said that the new rules may cause more road accidents, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
The group, which is made up of representatives from organisations including FairFuelUK, the Motorcycle Action Group and the Alliance of British Drivers, said they planned to arrange a meeting with the aim of challenging the updates to the Highway Code.
A spokesperson for Voters for Motors said: “Our concerns over the Highway Code include the fact that encouraging the undertaking and overtaking of vehicles intending to turn by cyclists will cause more crashes that drivers will be blamed for under the new ‘hierarchy of road users’.
The new “hierarchy of road users” stipulates that faster and heavier vehicles have the biggest responsibility to minimise the danger they pose to other road users.
The updated Highway Code also includes new advice to cyclists, such as the guidance to cycle in the centre of a lane on quieter roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions in order to make themselves as clearly visible as possible.
Some drivers have complained that they have not been made aware of the new changes.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on the lack of awareness of the changes and how this will affect drivers.
“When changes are made to the Highway Code, it’s important that road users familiarise themselves.
“However, our latest research found that more than almost three in four (72 percent) drivers found the new rules confusing, which can be concerning as these are put in place to help keep all road users safe.
“In particular, more than half of drivers said that they felt confused about pedestrian priority at junctions.
“More than two in five were also confused about the new rulings around the hierarchy of road users.
“Almost two thirds of drivers polled said that they never brush up on changes to the Highway Code themselves.
“A further 61 percent believed the Government should take responsibility in making road users aware of any changes.
“But it’s important that we’re taking the time to keep up to date with the changes to keep our roads safe.”
