Highway Code: New update to include guidance on Smart Motorways
The Highway Code is set to be updated later this year, with guidance on the Smart Motorway system set to be included for the first time.
Automatic fines have already been introduced by Highways England to prevent drivers from using Smart Motorway lanes that had been closed, with the maximum punishment being a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
But how is the Highway Code changing?
The government has stated that 33 existing rules in the Highway Code will be amended, with two new rules set to be introduced to improve safety on Smart Motorways.
Lanes can open and close at any time on Smart Motorways as a method of easing congestion and managing traffic flow. If a lane is closed, a red X will appear in the gantry signs.
While statistically, there are fewer deaths on smart motorways than on conventional motorways, there have been several high-profile cases in which a hard shoulder could have saved lives in recent years.
The Highway Code update will include, among other things:
- Clear advice on where to stop in an emergency on a Smart Motorway, including emergency refuge area signage
- The importance of not driving in a closed lane as signified by a red X
- Guidance on variable speed limits to manage congestion
- Updated guidance on factors that contribute to incidents, including driving in roadworks, safe towing, tailgating, vehicles that aren’t roadworthy, and driving while tired
The new guidance will also feature the ‘go left’ messaging that has appeared in Highways England advertising in the past few months, informing drivers to move left if they break down on the motorway.
What does this mean?
The Highway Code is regularly updated to ensure that the latest information is clearly delivered to drivers to improve safety on motorways, A-roads, and major routes.
The further development of the Smart Motorway system means that updates are required to ensure that drivers are equipped with up-to-date guidance to ensure safety on the roads.
The Smart Motorway system is contentious because it can add and remove the hard shoulder automatically.
Sadly, this has directly led to several incidents in recent years where drivers have stopped on what would have been the hard shoulder, but oncoming traffic has subsequently failed to avoid the stopped vehicle.
Drivers are being urged to keep updated with the Highway Code’s guidance to ensure that they know the rules and signs relating to Smart Motorways, among other things.
Understanding how the signage operates and what it means for you improves your safety as a driver. It also directly impacts the safety of other drivers on the road, as well as helping you avoid unwanted traffic tickets.
Are your drivers aware of the update to the Highway Code? Do they regularly travel on Smart Motorways? How will the new guidelines affect you?
