Drivers have been urged to be aware of an imminent change to the rules when approaching roundabouts.
The amendment to the Highway Code comes into force on January 29 and will introduce a risk based hierarchy of road users.
For the first time, the law will require those who can do the greatest harm to others to have a higher level of responsibility to reduce the danger.
READ MORE: Drivers warned they face £1,000 fine and disqualification for gear mistakes
Rule 186 under the new section says people on the road will need to give priority to cyclists at roundabouts - as Bristol Live reports.
It states: "You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.
"Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.
"Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout.
"Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout."
It is a driver's responsibility to remain up-to-date with changes to the Highway Code, but the AA found in a survey last month that only a third of motorists were aware of the amendment.
Charity campaigners have issued a warning to the government the new rules have not been promoted widely enough.
Cycling UK's Duncan Dollimore said: "Many people won't have read the Highway Code for years so it's essential that the key changes are clearly explained, with simple, accurate and memorable messages."
A DfT spokesman said: "The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and were announced to national press.
"The department has established a working group of key organisations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! campaign will continue to ensure all road users are aware both when these changes come into effect and beyond."
New hierarchy after Highway Code rule change on January 29
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Horse riders
- Motorcyclists
- Cars/taxis
- Vans/minibuses
- Large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
