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Written question asked by Jerome Mayhew (Conservative) on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Roads: Safety

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the impact of the introduction on Rule H1 on the behaviour of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists since January 2022; what assessment she has made in trends in the level of defensive behaviour among vulnerable road users; and what the evidential basis is for concluding that the hierarchy improves safety outcomes for all road users, including motorists.

Answer

The previous Government updated the Highway Code in 2022 to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses including the introduction of a hierarchy of road users.

New rule H1 set out that ‘those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, vans/minibuses, cars/taxis and motorcycles. Cyclists, horse riders and drivers of horse drawn vehicles likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians. None of this detracts from the responsibility of ALL road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.’

The previous Government did not initiate any assessment of their introduction of Rule H1.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116553
Session
2024-26
Related items
Roads: Safety
Monday, 16 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Highway Code
Thursday, 19 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Standards Roads Safety Highway code
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk