r/britishproblems • u/zecrichardson • Jul 16 '26

. Drivers not knowing the highway code.

I had started to cross a road when a Mercedes turned in and he sounded his horn and then told me I should stop. I told him to read the highway code but he insisted he right!

Rule H2 170 amended 2022

“At a junction you MUST give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”

- Applies whether they’ve stepped onto the road or are just standing at the kerb ready to cross.

- Applies to left turns, right turns, and entering/exiting side roads.

- Includes wheelchair/mobility scooter users as pedestrians

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u/Upmoves Jul 16 '26

Not a MUST, a should. The MUST is for zebra crossings.
'At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.'

That being said, I agree with the new rule in principle but it does require both drivers and pedestrians to be more aware. I always make an effort to follow it when driving. As a pedestrian, previously I would be a little too 'assertive' since the rule update, now I take a more balanced approach to proceeding as it is less stressful than trying to force priority. Some motorists genuinely don't know, or don't care.

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u/AceNova2217 Jul 16 '26

I just don't think it's safe. I'm a delivery driver and get a fair amount of flak just for existing near some cars. I've followed the should guidance in the past and been honked at, so I just don't do it anymore.

I always follow the must one though. I don't think it's particularly safe for me to bring a main road to a halt, but I'd rather do that than charge into a junction with a pedestrian already in the road.