Drivers have warned about the change to the roundabout rule that will take effect in the next few days

DRIVERS are being warned of a major detour rule change that will take effect in the next few days.

New change by the end of January will enforce more accountability on motorists in an effort to keep more people safe on the road.

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In the new rules, there will be a “hierarchy of road users” in Updated version of Highway Code.

It is based on the idea that the people who can cause the most damage – the truck driver, for example – have the ultimate responsibility on the road.

Pedestrians, and especially children, the elderly and other vulnerable people, will come out on top.

Following them are cyclists, horse riders, motorcyclists and cars, with trucks, HGVs and buses at the bottom.

It is intended to make it clear who is at fault in the event of an accident.

Specifically, there will also be additional regulations for drivers and cyclists using detours.

Rule 186 says: “You [drivers] Priority should be given to cyclists entering the roundabout. They will move slower than motorized traffic. “

“Give them plenty of room and don’t try to overtake them in their lane. Allow them to move through your path as they go around the roundabout.

“Bicyclists, horseback riders and carriages may stay in the left lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and must signal to the right to let you know they are not leaving the roundabout.

“Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to make sure they don’t cut across cyclists, riders or carriages in the left lane who are continuing around the roundabout.”

At the moment, it is unknown if there are any new penalties such as fines will be introduced to those who do not comply with the new preference changes.

Meanwhile, campaigners have warned the government that the new regulations have not been promoted widely enough.

Duncan Dollimore of Cycling UK said: “Many people won’t read the Highway Code for many years so it is essential that important changes are clearly explained, with simple, key messages. precise and easy to remember.”

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), the new regulatory changes will improve safety for all road users.

Edmund King, AA president, said the update was needed with the encouragement of more “active travel” and a boom in deliveries by cyclists.

A DfT spokesman said: “The proposed upcoming changes to the Highway Code will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders and have been communicated to national press.

“The department has established a working group of key organizations to ensure that messages about the changes are as widespread as possible and our well-established Think! campaign will continue to ensure that All road users are aware both when these changes take effect and after.”