I know youve said it multiple times but "Priority is given, not taken" is the most perfect statement when out on the roads in whatever mode of transport, but quite a few people dont understand this concept.
As a regular foot commuter in a small town I'd say that nothing has changed at all in terms of most driver behaviour. I've been subjected to the usual horn blasts, people driving at me and "punishment" near passes from drivers who think I should not only not be given priority when crossing but that I should either develop psychic powers to know that they intend to turn into side roads without indicating or the ability to simply evaporate when they do.
To repeat a comment I made on a similar post: Totally hate when that happens. And the non signalling driver often gets angry and (as you stated) expects the pedestrian to now quickly get out of their way, even giving the pedestrian a close shave as they impatiently turn. This shouldn't even happen if they DID signal!
Not that this behaviour should have to be tolerated, but i would suggest you don't cross if a car is approaching your turn signalling or not. Expect them to be a 🔔🔚
@@DrWhosmate This is how I treat drivers (and pedestrians) whether I am driving/riding or walking. Same for if someone IS indicating. Just because their indicator is on does NOT mean they are turning.
@@DrWhosmate Yes that's all sensible advice but if the road is busy, you may be waiting a long time "just in case". Repeat at every single side street and it's going to take that much longer to walk to your destination if it's busy. It is a judgement call though. I have to wonder, the drivers that engage in this type of behaviour towards pedestrians, how do they themselves like to be treated as a pedestrian and how would they feel if and when treated with such contempt by other motorists? It works both ways and every driver is also a pedestrian at some point
I personally do not think that our roads have been designed with this new rule in mind. At around 6:35 when you're wanting to cross and wondering if those cars exiting the roundabout would stop, I honestly as a motorist would not want to stop there because I just do not trust other road users around me to notice this sort of driving behavior because it's so different to what people understand here. I am scared of being rear ended in such situations. When I drove in Japan and we made turns on left at a 4 way intersection, they always had zebra crossing markings. Cars always pulled away and move slightly towards the left but would stop and wait naturally for pedestrians crossing there. This is a very foreign concept for us in this country. As much as I'd like to observe this part of the highway code, I'm honestly not comfortable with doing it yet in many situations. Some smaller roads and stuff I am already doing it, but larger and busier roads like that to me are just a no go. Same with if I was coming off of even a 30mph 2 lane one way road in a town. I would not feel comfortable stopping and holding up cars in a live lane for fear of accidents behind me. I'd rather keep going.
I feel exactly the same here. I'm adhering to all of the new changes except the exiting the roundabout one, as you're often doing 20-30 with a driver somewhere nearby, and no trust can be given that they're even aware of the pedestrian you can see at the side of the road.
I've had plenty of pedestrians oblivious to the fact when I've stopped to allow them to cross the road. I can count on one hand the number who have picked up on the fact I'm giving them priority, but my favourite moment is a couple of teenagers who noticed I was waiting for them to cross the road before I turn into my street and picked up the pace and lightly jogged across the road to clear for me. Essentially making good practice of keeping the flow going, I didn't have to come to a complete stop for them but rather slowed down to a crawling pace thanks to them, gave them a little toot and we exchanged a cheerful wave, my acknowledgement of them crossing faster to allow me to make my right turn sooner
It seems really insane dangerous to have a light controlled junction but no lights for the pedestrians. What baffles me even more that 3 out of the 4 approaches have absolutely no markings whatsoever on the ground to indicate that there is a pedestrian crossing there. Even the one that is marked has been done poorly.
@@simonavarne9635 I never waited at red pedestrian lights, feels silly when there are no cars in sight, But since having kids that is what I do now, drives me crazy sometimes.
@@TheKalkalash Cost-benefit analysis is a major factor. The cost of installing and maintaining the extra infrastructure relative to the number of injuries sustained. So, money has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is our pocket as taxpayers. A less understood aspect is how adding cycles to lights can affect traffic flow, not just at that particular junction, but potentially many others in the vicinity. Changing one junction to have a pedestrian cycle is a headache, changing them all a nightmare. There is a difference between a "pedestrian crossing" and a "place for pedestrians to cross", one comes with lots of legislation attached and is a legally defined feature, one is pretty much linked only to the disability legislation. Again, cost/benefit is a major factor in deciding which should be installed. To install, not maintain, a basic zebra crossing starts at around £30,000, more if additional lighting, high friction surfaces etc. are required, and of course, they require maintaining too. So, if everyone wants to pay 80% taxation, we can have all those things, but people vote with their wallets as much as anything.
Agree with your assessment of junctions, per updated rules 170-183, specifically rule 170 -"give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning." However roundabouts covered by a seperate set of rules 184-190, within which Rule 187 states : "In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to... pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads." Note specific language"give way to" is absent. So, not only are many unaware of the rule changes, even those that are aware of the changes have interpreted the rules differently. I guess be patient and continue to expect the unexpected whatever your chosen method of travel...
A clear indication that the term "junction", in the new changes regarding pedestrians, is for the T type (and Y type) only....and not intended for entry/exit to roundabouts as suggested by some.
Exactly this. Not only do junctions and roundabouts have separate sets of rules in the highway code, there are multiple instances in the highway code where it refers to "junctions AND roundabouts" which enforces the fact that although many think of a roundabout as a junction, the highway code treats them differently. If the highway code had intended the change to cover roundabouts, they would of altered the rules accordingly.
Rule 187 has not been updated (other than moving some of it to 186), which is interesting. Is it an oversight, or do they consider or not consider roundabouts to be covered by rule 170? I have been giving way on roundabout exits when safe to do so, but it feels wrong.
Giving priority to pedestrians on uncontrolled junctions has happened to me as a driver only twice since the rules changed and both times it was utter confusion with the pedestrians being unwilling to cross until I'd gone. In both cases I decided, after a pause to move on rather than hold everyone up, making sure I indicated my intention with creeping the car first. Yes, I think this is going to take some time to creep into the general consciousness.
Same here, I really can't see the logic behind this. I can only imagine the decision to do this is down to the folk who wander around with their heads in their mobile phones not paying attention. I don't think this moves is a good one at all, despite abiding by it,... but I am waiting for a shunt from the car behind when having to give way at a roundabout for a crossing pedestrian - which apparently, roundabouts are junctions, even though this isn't stated in the highway code.
Geoff as someone who is medically blind (world is all blurry) and uses a white cane I can’t tell if you’re giving way to me, or another vehicle, so I will actually step back, or turn away from the road to show you I don’t intend to cross. The only place I cross in front of a waiting car is on a “pinch point” that stops overtaking, or cars from other directions (so an island over a single lane or a chicane type island that changes a 2 way road into a single lane where traffic has to give way to the vehicle using it).
@@lynnenicholson6968 I've seen other discussions with guide-dog users who have said that their dog will never guide them across the road if there's traffic nearby whether it's stopped or not. I can't help thinking that road users with visual difficulties haven't been properly considered in this change. However, as Ash would say, common sense should prevail, stepping back to show that you have no intention of crossing the road is a great way to signal your intentions leading to another of Ash's sayings: "priority is given, not taken". So when you step back you are effectively giving priority to the vehicle.
Even as a wheelchair user, my experience has been much like yours, although I often have to go searching for suitably dropped kerbs, and that often takes me a long way from junctions. Some drivers show more consideration than before the changes and some don’t even see people waiting to cross at or near junctions. I did notice that when I had to travel considerable distances on roads to find dropped kerbs, all drivers gave me plenty of clearance. It is scary when cars pass too close at 30 mph, but that did not happen today. As you say, we all need some of that rare commodity ‘common sense’ The new rules only came into force about six weeks ago, and there has been insufficient publicity, but the majority of drivers will adapt, even if it takes a few high-profile court cases to get the message across. Thank you, and keep up the good work.
Couldn’t agree more, the people that live on paper and not in the world of skin do my head in. Aka the “I was in the right therefore you have to pay for my incompetence in self preservation” people
It's a nice theory. But when people think they have priority, it doesn't work. This video shows an example of a bunch of teenagers crossing a road THINKING they have priority when they don't, because the rules on when exactly it applies are non-trivial and beyond a lot of people to figure out. And the media is full of conflicting opinions.
6:32 I had a really happy moment a few days ago when I was cycling in the left lane near a car in the right lane both approaching a roundabout with pedestrians waiting to cross and as I was preparing for the driver to not give way we both did! The pedestrians seemed very happy and I’m sure both the driver and I were as well! Refreshing.
I was talking about this with my husband yesterday when we were out walking the dogs. There are lots of roundabouts our way on housing estates that don't have the zebra crossings you seem to have. But certainly drivers weren't stopping yesterday at the start of a housing estate where there's a small roundabout while we were waiting to cross with the dogs. But it doesn't bother me if they don't stop for me. I prefer to have the control, as it were. I do keep meaning to take a video to send to you about a bigger roundabout and potential issues with that that worry me (when I'm driving). But on the whole, no I've not noticed many cars stopping for pedestrians.
As a frequent pedestrian I agree with you on having control. I am far more happier crossing in my own time rather than when someone stops to allow me to cross. The scariest incident I have experienced was while crossing after a driver stopped to allow me to cross, the car approaching behind him was too impatient and swerved around him into the opposing lane while I was halfway across it. They had no regard to me (must have seen me I was wearing hi-vis) and I had to leap off the road. The driver who had stopped was visibly shocked as he thought I was hit.
Not most, but many drivers still go too fast on busy roundabouts. It's not just about the traffic, but the pedestrian crossings also require full attention. And as risk increases, speed should decrease to account for the amount that needs to be observed. Mistakes can easily be made through lack of concentration. To be honest, when I'm a pedestrian, and near a busy roundabout, I'd rather take a slightly longer route to cross if I have any doubts at all. The video demonstrates a healthy sense of self-preservation and consideration. Good luck getting 100,000 subscribers, and far beyond, so that luck plays less of a part in saving life and limb on the world's roads!
We got beeped at (I was a passenger) for pulling out on a roundabout with plenty of space yesterday, and the driver who beeped clearly sped up to do so. I don't get it, if people slow down for a big roundabout, it flows better. But then again many people only care about their own journey.
Personally, I'm thankful for the new rules regarding pedestrian crossings. Where I used to live, numerous accidents had happened because cars would actually _speed up_ toward zebra crossings if they saw pedestrians looking to cross because they were intent on getting through before a pedestrian stepped out. So dangerous, and what's more frightening is how justified they felt in this behaviour.
I've witnessed this behaviour too many times now, even while I've been on the crossing. People either don't know the rules or they just don't care about the safety of other road users.
Lol. I remember watching my dad play GTA and laughing at the fact that he would stop at red lights and wait for them to change. Until that point, i hadn't even noticed the traffic lights in the game😂
i was almost mowed down by a cyclist who was on the pavement today, plus while i was in my car, i came up to a T junction, i was going to turn right and a cyclist decided to undercut me on my left hand side turned right himself, while there was traffic going past, having to make the other drivers slow down quite suddenly, good job to everyone that decided to let him just go because it quite frankly would of been a fatility otherwise. and the worst part was he didnt even acknowledge any of the cars that he had affected, cyclist are becoming way too bold and i wish i had footage because it would of made for an interesting topic on this channel for you to break down. i am really glad i am a subscriber of this channel because i have learned so much and i will continue to do so. so thankyou ashly :)
I've had a few instances where the pedestrian has been genuinely surprised that I am waiting to let them cross (both when cycling and driving), but what's really been surprising is the lack of impatience with people behind me (again, both when cycling and driving). Despite the apocalyptic newspaper drivel, people genuinely seem to get it.
I haven't (yet) had problems with impatient drivers behind but as a pedestrian I hate crossing in front of a turning vehicle at a side road and often won't do so.
The whole thing about people behind was ridiculous anyway. Everyone knows if the road user in front slows down or stops you have to react to it. It makes not the slightest bit of difference why they stopped. Right turns have always required a potential stop. What's the difference?
@@gpk6458 ah, but you're applying a train of logical thought far beyond the abilities of the average reader of the Daily Express. It's no big revelation that 90% of all dashcam content wouldn't exist if the driver of the cam-car would just slow down a bit and use a bit of hazard perception.
I few times the last few months this has happened to me as a pedestrian. I'm waiting for a vehicle to turn and they stop to let me go and I realise I need to get my ass across. Realise I can't encourage them to go first, that's pressuring them into breaking the code.
Great video, i was thinking a couple of days ago that most drivers don't know about updates to the highway code, a pedestrian wouldn't even look it up unless someone mentions it
When I've crossed roads as a pedestrian since the change, driver behaviour hasn't altered to accommodate the new rules which suggests they've been very poorly communicated. As a driver I try to follow the new rules where I can but when leaving a roundabout or turning off of a main road, if there's traffic behind its rarely safe to do so as the driver behind is not expecting me to stop so the risk of an accident is too high. If you're stationary waiting to enter a roundabout or turn out of a side road you have much more control over those behind and so there's no reason not to give pedestrians priority but I don't think it's sensible or safe to require drivers to stop on a roundabout to allow pedestrians to cross the road they're exiting onto. That's just asking for trouble.
I've commented elsewhere on the various aspects of this video but just to say there are some really interesting discussions / comments here. I'm really glad Ash made this video as it's quite a hot topic.
Excellent video. This should be broadcast on prime time television every day for a week to raise awareness of what the revised rules mean in real life (especially the 'given, not taken') message.
For years roundabout have be praised as the "big solution", but I wasn't aware how problematic they were for pedestrians, if not equipped with zebra crossings, especially if they have more than one lane. I wasn't aware of the old rules in the UK that didn't give priority to pedestrians at junctions and zebra crossings and that roundabouts without zebra crossing are common. Here in Germany as long as I can remember pedestrians have had priority in those situations, and busy roundabouts with pedestrian traffic but without zebra crossings are basically non-existent. One question: Isn't it now a dangerous situation for drivers to stop for pedestrians when exiting a roundabout? Especially when they are in lanes 2 or 3, because that has been where, until now, vehicles accelerated out of the junction and drivers behind may not expect you to stop.
Yep, it's a nightmare trying to cross roundabouts as a pedestrian. I don't think the new rules are "right" here, as in roundabouts exit should be priority for cars. Having said that, as a pedestrian I have always, and continue to take the view that "if you can see I'm here, and want to exit, but are not indicating with your lights that you're coming off, I'm just going to cross". If they beep or similar, I point at their indicator in exasperation. One day, I might be hit by this approach... :)
What about the disabled? I cannot cross the road at your speed. If drivers don’t behave reasonably I have great difficulty crossing. Drivers should never assume pedestrians have good eyesight or hearing either. I should add that I was taught that pedestrians ALWAYS have priority once they are in the road. I taught the same for over 20 years as a driving instructor. None of this excuses careless behaviour by pedestrians, of course.
I will always stop to let a disabled person cross, unless it's exiting a roundabout. Roundabouts were designed to allow traffic to flow as efficiently as possible. Therefore, I'm confident in saying that nearly all drivers would not give pedestrians priority at a roundabout. If you stop when exiting a roundabout, you'll likely make a traffic jam and the dangerous, impatient few will get angry
Agree completely. A good driver will assume that every pedestrian could have a disability and treat them accordingly. Too many people in general forget that a large proportion of disabilities are completely invisible.
@@TimSter15 It sounds to me like you only stop to let people with visible disabilities cross. What about people with disabilities that you can't distinguish with a quick glance?
I was unsure whether I should give way to pedestrians when exiting a roundabout. I can't say I feel comfortable with or like the idea. Stopping to let them cross a road or junction is one thing but coming off a roundabout feels much more dangerous with the other traffic around you especially when most people seem to want to get roundabouts done and out of the way with as soon as possible.
It seems like a crazy part of the new rules. You are trying to exit and have to stop, potentially with another car driving behind you, and also a possible lane 1 driver who is going around the roundabout. The view from lane who is driving in a clockwise circle won't always see that the roundabout is going into standstill. This new rule is going to cause a lot of crashes.
@@TheVicar It's possible to do by taking the roundabout slowly and slowing down if someone needs to cross but the problem is not many others take roundabouts slowly especially painted ones, they just want to fly across them or past you.
@@garymason7 Indeed. The safest way for the new rules to now work would be to use the French method of cars that are approaching a roundabout having priority over cars on the roundabout. The French method seems mad to us but the new rules of stopping on a roundabout is also mad.
But you have to be prepared to stop in case the pedestrian steps out in front of you. The point of the new H2 rule is to allow pedestrians to cross without having to step out into the traffic.
@@simonavarne9635 a driver can only be responsible for their own lane. By stopping or slowing down it runs the risk of making cars behind change lane to overtake the driver as they may not have seen why the car (van?) was slowing down in the first place. But by slowing down it implies (and puts pressure) on the pedestrian to cross. Thus creating a more dangerous situation if the pedestrian isn’t paying attention. This one rule has to be rethought out.
@@duncanarrow You can't be held responsible for a bad driver behind you. Over time people will get used to giving way at junctions and hopefully that sort of irresponsible and dangerous behaviour of the driver you describe behind you will become a thing of the past.
@@simonavarne9635 hmmmm, “over time” you say... And in the meantime how many near misses, collisions and fatal accidents will occur? Not to mention students who fail their driving test due to this confused rule. This doesn’t solve a problem that needed to be fixed.
@@simonavarne9635 if I stopped in lane 1 and another vehicle sped past me in lane 2, hit and killed or seriously injured a pedestrian, do you really think I'm not going to feel some responsibility? I certainly would, probably would haunt me the rest of my life.
I still think that this is all going to end in tears, you have different rules being applied to different junctions with different circumstances. As I have commented on your videos before in the safety industry it is recognised that when things become complicated they become dangerous. These rules are complicated and I’ll thought out, they expect people who have no education on road safety to understand what to do when confronted by situations that are often open to Interpretation. [Keep it simple… look and if it is safe to do so then step out in the road, if it’s not safe then don’t step out] We must legislate for ignorance and error. Do Not ask people to put their safety in the hands of others who might not understand or may screw up.
I completely agree. These new rules should never have been introduced. All it has done is to cause confusion, with no benefit as far as I can see. The old rules have been in place for over 100 years, they made complete sense and were intuitive to everybody. Now, nobody can be exactly sure who has got priority and what's the right thing to do. It's just caused confusion all round. How can this be safer?
The other problem is different driving instructors on UA-cam are interpreting this rule slightly differently. This is the one HC change that is downright dangerous.
Ashley: I've noticed that most people look towards the flow of the traffic when crossing. But I'd like to remind everyone about things that often go against the flow of traffic, including bikes (like the ones at 9:13), e-bikes, e-scooters, reversing vehicles and, of course, pedestrians. It's safest to look in all four directions: left, right, front, back, *every* time you cross. You can live longer this way. Some really bad signalling at 6:20, by the way.
Thank you Ashley! I've been practising these changes for years - as you said, culturally we've been carrying out these Highway Code changes anyway. Got my theory test on Friday!
Interesting topic to cover. Many people will assume priority but - as you rightly say - it's given; not taken. I choose my time to cross the road carefully as it's better to be delayed for 30 seconds rather than an unplanned trip to A&E. Stay safe everyone 👍.
Great video Ash! Very helpful and informative, just depressing how many road users ignore the rules :/ that's why I always still look at crossings even if others walk straight out, cause as you said, "priority is given not taken"👍
Great video Ashley. On my cycle channel I’m constantly told by commenters that “Pedestrians always have the right of way”. This appears to be a widely held miss conception, a dangerous one too. I see many pedestrians on my commute who walk out in front without looking, or even see me but walk out regardless believing I have to stop. Pedestrians are more likely to do this to cyclists than drivers. Rule 7d of the Highway Code remains since the update of the rules, which states that, when pedestrians are crossing they must first look and: “if traffic is coming, let it pass” and: “Do not cross until there is a safe gap in the traffic” This implies that priority is with the road traffic. This is common sense too, but I take your point that it’s not always that common! 😉👍🏻
One problem is that drivers usually do not indicate when turning if there are no other vehicles around. As a pedestrian I rely on vehicles indicating to judge when it is safe to cross.
As a daily pedestrian in a large city I've only had one driver not give way to me at a T junction in the last couple of weeks. Then again I'm a big bloke who walks fast so pretty hard to miss. I make it clear that they're going to force me do the equivalent of a pedestrian emergency stop and always say thanks when the driver gives way. All very cordial apart from that one driver who just stared at me like I was the idiot!
my city in the states does periodic enforcement operations to remind drivers that pedestrians have priority. the "decoy pedestrian" they use is comfortably over 6 feet tall and 3 feet across; and wears a tropical print shirt, so nobody can claim they couldn't see him without calling their eligibility to drive into question.
@@kenbrown2808 Hah, that's a really good idea actually. Hope they do it in the UK one of these days. Being 6'5 and black I don't need the bright clothes... People definitely notice me but unfortunately that can be pretty uncomfortable with certain types. Just something you have to get used to but I'll admit it does come in handy with these new pedestrian rules!
When shopping, I walk from one supermarket to another and cross by a mini roundabout. No one has stopped from my right as I cross but some do from my left as I cross from a small refuge between the two carriageways. I don't really expect them to and certainly not going to take the risk they will if I step out. As a driver, I've given way a couple of times, when safe to do so. Another good video Ashley, thanks.
It's all very new. Several times I've not let people cross and thought "I should have stopped and let them cross, I'll try and remember next time" and times I have remembered to stop and the car behind hasn't beeped because they remembered. I've turned into a road and people were crossing and they went to go back but, I stopped and waved them over (it was clear the other side. The old rules kicked in and the usual avoid crashing/runing people over). As a pedestrian I waited for a car to go and was confused when it stopped and only remembered when they waved me across!
Wait for things to develop, wise words Ashley. As a professional road user, that's what I am thinking. My main concern stopping on a right turn is somebody rear ending me, a distinct risk I feel.
It would be interesting to hear your perspective of these new laws and how blind and partially sighted pedestrians deal with them. Might also be a good learning point for drivers. Myself as being visually impaired I don’t “look blind” so it can be confusing for myself and drivers if I don’t identify that a driver is giving way to me or if they are just slowing down for the junction. Personally the flashing of headlights is the best option and good use of clearly showing their intent.
Hey Jono, I’m medically blind, drivers flashing lights, or waving through the windscreen are on a wasted journey with me. My eye condition means I have a permanent disco of lights flashing 24/7, I can’t see the driver waving me across either. I still use the same method of stepping back from the kerb, or turning away from the road if I’m not sure if I’m safe to cross. I’ve got my long white cane and a white walking stick so I find it awkward to wave a car on. I only cross if a car stops if I’m at a crossing at a “pinch point” or chicane where the stationary vehicle blocks the way.
@@lynnenicholson6968 yeah totally get your position. I suppose with you having the cane it’s a visual indicator for the driver. I generally don’t need a cane as I can get about without it. For me I can see a car but I don’t see things like hand gestures. In the video at the roundabout if a car was approaching and waved to give way from a distance I would t see that. If they flashed their lights then I would hence why I’d suggest that’s a more obvious cue especially when I don’t have a guide dog or cans.
Some crossings are situated in such a poor position at roundabouts or junctions, that vehicles have to stop on the crossing to see what is coming from their right. We have one at the top of Hill Lane, in Southampton. It is a busy zebra crossing positioned right by a small roundabout, and vehicles have to wait at the give way sign just after the crossing to be able to see what is approaching from the road to their right. However, if the vehicle is long, such as a bus or lorry, it means it straddles the zebra crossing whilst waiting.
I daily walk around an industrial estate used frequently by learner drivers. Even the ones in school cars are not obeying the new laws, which I find surprising to say the least.
Hi Mr Neal, Your spot on it will take a while for the new rules to take effect. But as both a driver and a pedestrian I've noticed it on both sides. As a pedestrian I think maybe 2 people at most have given way to me when they should have. As a driver I have let people cross when I was supposed to most of them appreciate it. However I have also had kids pull out in front of me on bikes doing stupid stuff like wheelies. Even while on the A92 driving to work I was just enjoying the drive while changing the radio in my car. I got to the station where I work only to find the system playing on Automation and it was playing Blacklace Agadoo. While I have DAB in my car the only way to hear us is via the station website or on 1287 Medium Wave. But getting back to the point I'm glad you made this video to highlight what looks like most of my fellow motorists need to look at.
Very good video! Common sense of course, so don't expect following your sensible points will be as widespread as might be hoped. Best wishes from George
Interesting that you said you were “safely back in your car”. Tells a lot about where we think we are safest. Yet the amount of drivers that seem opposed to the clarifications in the HWC regarding vulnerable road users is astonishing. Maybe they don’t feel unsafe in their cocoons and therefore can’t see the risks to others?
Nonsense. On the contrary. Driving a car now gives me a dark sense of foreboding because of the uncertainty of how pedestrians and cyclists and other vehicles will respond given the conflicting opinions in the media caused by the vagueness and unforeseen consequences of the HC changes. NO ONE wants to live with having caused harm to another person.
And the reason you've spoken about are why the new rule changes really need a lot more clarification on where, when and how, because its all well and good saying the car driver has to give priority, but if the drive doesn't see you, or you just assume a miss intended flash or hand movement there will be a lot of paperwork and hospital time involved along with the possible convictions. And from your video the majority of junctions have been near enough T's with right angles. A lot of area nears me have junctions that effectively double back so you may not see the pedestrian because they are effectively behind you when you begin the turn in ..
Those bikes at the end were dangerous, but you can see why they chose the pavement, that road had no provisions for cyclists at all. Sure, your experienced and confident cyclists would be fine navigating that busy roundabout, but I doubt many people would be happy for their 10 year old child to ride through there. Hopefully the UK wakes up and installs proper cycling infrastructure
much of the UK's in a bit of a bind in that regard, due to the fact the spaces between the buildings are narrow enough to already limit the amount of road you can have.
Cycles can easily be pushed. This is how the Highways see it, and you can dismount and navigate larger road systems via the foot paths provided. However I agree cyclist do need more options than “get off and walk”.
@@hausmaster9801 . Cyclists have a right to use the road and it should not be denied out of convenience. Why should a person driving a car, have a greater right than a person on a bicycle. What makes them more important.
@@grahvis I didn’t say it did and I agree with you however the Highways people don’t. They see it as roads are for motorised vehicles, and the transportation of goods. If you think about it mixing a 2tn machine with a half wit at the controls and a bicycle with a half with at the controls it does make a good cake! Roadways that we know today were mainly developed for cars, lorrys, vans, etc due to the influx of people using them, we only have ourselves to blame. There are more cars in this country than ever before I believe the numbers average out to almost 3 per household now that’s a lot! Compared the numbers and the infrastructure makes sense. As I previously said though I agree, and believe that many need to be changed for the better of cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. (Don’t even get me started on “smart” motorways) If more people cycle (and they are) the infrastructure will change and include them. Look at Cambridge, there are so many cyclists there (a lot students) and the infrastructure has been out in place. It is faster to go from one side of the city to the other via cycle, or electric scooter (if it has the range) than it is to drive. You also have to remember they can’t just “pop in” a cycle lane, there is a lot to consider when planning roads, because one small mistake can mean a life or many are lost.
At 3:55 you suggest that the new update requires drivers to give way to pedestrians at a junction - but that’s not what it says. They should give way to pedestrians if they are turning (rule h2) - there’s no requirement to do so for vehicles going straight ahead. My expectations of being given way to remain low :-).
How ironically anti-resident our residential areas are! We can't even walk across our own neighbourhoods with confidence or safety in 3:05 . The vulnerable have to be ferried unnecessarily in cars because of how individualistic our road planning is. We seem to care more about people that pass through our neighbourhood more than the people that live within those neighbourhoods
The light sequences are enough time for a vulnerable person to cross. Those none box controlled junctions are designed that way. Ever sat at one and wondered “well no one’s going why is it still red?!” this is why. I agree it isn’t the safest of pedestrian crossing, as it does mean everyone passing, pedestrian or driver has to be 100% aware of their surroundings. You also have to remember the drivers have to give priority to pedestrians in the roadway crossing, and I’m sure not many people are going to get aggressive with a vulnerable pedestrian. If they do it should be reported and they should loose their license. I hold hope in most of this country however I have to admit it is dwindling rather swiftly
I'm not sure where the interpretation that at e.g. 3:15 you would have a "new" right to go across without waiting for a gap in the traffic comes from. The new rule (H2) says: At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road *into which or from which you are turning.* If you waited until a green light for the traffic in Town Row, then they should give way to a pedestrian crossing if they wish to turn into Melwood Drive, but there is no indication whatsoever that the traffic on Melwood Drive (that is going _straight across_ the junction, not turning into it) should give way to a pedestrian intending to cross, even on a marked (but not a zebra) crossing. ETA In fact, I'm doubtful that the interpretation actually applies to traffic entering a roundabout. .. at the very least, that should be quickly clarified and the explanation given some publicity.
Good video as always Ashley. I noticed that you mentioned about the cycling on the pavements (which I agree is dangerous for pedestrians) but one thing I always see in your videos are the amount of cars parked on the pavements. Do you think that these are a problem? Not only blocking access for pedestrians, but also blocking visibility for people crossing roads too. Sorry if you have covered it before, but it does seem to be the elephant in the room when talking about driving legally and safely which you are such a champion of! Thank you for your videos, they make a positive difference to so many road users.
I've had a few occasions on my daily commute where I've stopped to a pedestrian cross and they've been completely oblivious. I've also had a couple of situations where I wanted to stop to let somebody cross after a roundabout but I wasn't confident that the car behind me would realise what I was doing.
One thing I've noticed is that at roundabouts drivers will sometimes slow a little more than usual, I think with the intention of letting me cross. But they only do this for like a couple of seconds max before continuing anyway since I don't cross. Sorry to those drivers if it's an inconvenience but I just don't feel comfortable crossing in such a scenario, even if I do have priority. So as a pedestrian I've found my behaviour is the same as before, be cautious and only cross when safe. If anything I've probably become even more cautious due to not being sure how long drivers are giving way before deciding I'm taking too long and continuing anyway.
I do still personally find myself crossing behind a car if they're waiting to emerge from a side road. Not because I don't trust drivers, but just because it makes me feel safer.
@@jakerockznoodles Oh yeah sorry of course, forgot to mention that in my comment 😁 I just live in the city so I am a bit more wary of drivers who just zone out.
I remember I line that my old dad gave me long ago that is always in my mind as a pedestrian……..” he was right, dead right, as he strode along, but he’s just as dead as if he were wrong”
as a driver ive been guilty of not letting people cross in Glasgow at several junctions. I only realise after the event. I am trying to remember to do this.
Hi Ashley, good video as usual, thanks. But I have a question. For a non-roundabout junction it seems rule 170 is the main one for motorists - "give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.". That suggests if you are driving straight across a crossroads you don't need to give way to pedestrians because you are not "turning". But then rule 8 for pedestrians says "At a junction. When you are crossing or waiting to cross the road, other traffic should give way." So this means that drivers going straight across a crossroads would need to give you priority. Which is correct? In your video you crossed the crossroads at around 3:14 and talked about drivers coming straight through the junction from the right and how they might choose to give you priority. Which rule would compel them to do that? Even rule H2 specifically mentions "turning" so would not apply to driving straight through. Any clarification much appreciated !
I’m not keen on saying something is common sense, when I was a kid I was taught to wash my hands thoroughly (individual fingers, backs of the hands, palms, but that it should be done in a filled basin (plug in run cold water then add hot to decent temperature) and that was common sense, but now we have learnt through “evidenced learning” that it’s better to wash under continuous running water. I think these videos fit that evidence based learning, clear evidence was presented to show where, in situations that the drivers should have given priority they didn’t, those cars came through the roundabout far too quickly without indicating that they were exiting and it was demonstrated that the safe thing to do was wait. I think that all this channels videos do a similar job, state a problem, show scenarios where the dangers occur then explain how they could be avoided, and usually show a driver (often a pupil) being guided safely through a similar scenario.
A useful update thanks That first junction with lights is a terrible mess eg drop kerb goes all around the corner - needs to be updated, preferably with pedestrian lights. That roundabout was dangerous too - drivers oblivious to you.
Roundabout at the bottom of my road is a real pain for pedestrians. The heavier the rain the longer you wait. So it sucks during a wet rush hour since it cuts my part of the town off from shops. So i cycle rather than walk as i can join the traffic rather than stand there for 5 mins getting soaked. Rains a lot where iam in south Wales
Similar to 2:25 I have literally had people shout at me because I've not stopped to allow them to cross the road. Misinformed people are going to get injured or worse if the govt don't start putting infomercials out to educate people of the changes.
I'm not sure if it is buried somewhere in your highway code, but in the states, it is pretty normal that if a crossroads has traffic lights and no pedestrian lights, pedestrians may not cross against a red traffic light. it's buried in an obscure corner, and it is rare to see a traffic light without a pedestrian light, but it is there.
Things are a bit different here. Historically all roads here except motorways are foot paths, ie pedestrian rights of way, on which cars may be driven under licence so pedestrians and an absolute right to walk in any direction and on any side but not to obstruct. So the highway code is only 'advice' for pedestrians and not law. Of course in practice most pedestrians prefer keeping their lives rather than exercising their rights.
@@simonavarne9635 here, too, it is leagal to walk any direction on any side but not obstruct. but our jaywalking laws ARE laws for pedestrians. even at that, our law is that if there is not a specific pedestrian light, the traffic lights supercede crosswalk priority.
@@simonavarne9635 yeah, that was a little bit of culture shock - of course, here, unless the police want to pull someone for some reason jaywalking is more of a "do it at your own risk" thing than a crime.
I definitely see room for improvement in communications when exiting roundabouts or continuing around. I consider that a point in my argument for indicating whether you think there is anyone who needs to know or not. of course, then you STILL cant trust that a driver won't turn without indicating.
What concerns me most about giving way to a pedestrian just off a roundabout, is the vehicle behind me not expecting me to slow or stop to give way, near me drivers always seem to try and take on roundabouts as quick as they can.
That's because everyone is scared of roundabouts to varying extents; if I'm on a roundabout, everyone is looking at me. Therefore they want to exit ASAP or just because they're genuinely in a hurry
Just focus on not hitting the pedestrian and leave the car behind you to worry about not hitting you. If you hit the pedestrian it's your fault, if the car behind hits you it's their fault.
Hi Ashley, have I been following the new rules incorrectly? I thought pedestrians only had right of way when cars were joining a new road. For example at 3:18, were you saying ANY car coming from the right should give priority? Or just those you are turning left out of the junction. The way i have followed the new rules, are that at 3:18 if i was already on the main road coming from the right, i would not give way, however if i was turning left onto a new road, then any pedestrians waiting to cross will have right of way, hope this makes sense? Thanks
Even with zebra crossings I always make it clear I want to cross and ensure all other road users have stopped before crossing as at the end of the day (as a pedestrian) you will be the one in hospital if someone doesn't stop. This is regardless of if they should have stopped you have to spend months recovering and they may get a fine or lose their licence but that doesn't compare really.
interesting, you say priority is given not taken. Could it be considered/interpreted that at 6:32 you were giving priority as you were not making a move to cross but hanging back? At 3:26 would you expect traffic coming from behind your right shoulder to give way if their lights were green?
Forgive my possible misinterpretation, but I was under the impression that the new highway code updates [170] for giving way to waiting Pedestrians, (as you re-enacted in the video) was meant for Junctions and not exits to Roundabouts (unless a Zebra/Pedestrian Crossing is fitted). While they're technically junctions, they're also not, due to their design in the flow of traffic, and the backup caused if waiting whilst on the Roundabout itself, versus a stretch of road where typical junctions exist. ***'187 In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads'*** Is the only excerpt I could see regarding Roundabouts and Pedestrians, and it doesn't stipulate anything about giving way to Pedestrians waiting to cross, like the Junctions section does. Simply to watch out for, and should any Pedestrians be crossing, to give them ample room to safely do so (naturally). This is a genuine question, and not some 'high horse' position, before anyone gets their knickers in a twist. I simply want to ensure that my road etiquette and common sense is coupled with the correct information.
Here in the US you MUST yield to all pedestrians at marked or unmarked crossings. Quite a few in my area have a button the pedestrian presses to alert drivers someone is crossing, it also activates a numberplate camera and tickets those who dont stop. I really don't understand why this is such a difficult task for some people to grasp
As a pedestrian and a driver I've seen some changes though often misunderstood by either party - I've had drivers now allowing me to cross on a straight road rather than a junction - which is fine apart from when I wave them on as there is nothing behind them anyway so I'd rather cross behind. As a driver, sometimes it's hard to spot pedestrians at junctions waiting to cross or not necessarily showing their intent - it will take a lot of time to re-frame the general public's current ways whether right or wrong!
As a motorcyclist, (both moped for work and manual motorbike for commute and SD&P) when turning left, I've found that I've had to physically stop in the middle of the road to stop cars from the right hand side of the road from going to a minor road in order to let the pedestrian cross. I've found that this can put myself in danger as if I sit at the side of the road as you do at 0:30 in the video then cars will cross in front of me from my right. As much as I wish to stop for pedestrians I have to be very careful about who is around me. Once, around 8AM, I have had to move my motorbike in front of a car wishing to move into a minor road while a woman with a pram whished to cross in order to prevent the car from passing, I feel that it is appalling how people choose to cross the path of a motorbike and a woman with a pram but at the end of the day I have to get home safely and as such sometimes I choose to cross the pedestrian's right of way as I do not have the time or confidence to make 100% sure that my surroundings are clear before stopping. However, any advice on this topic would be appreciated from anyone as I am still on L plates (cbt with therory passed and practical booked) and I'm still learning daily
Last week I was stuck facing traffic, in the oncoming lane, on my motorcycle, after a pedestrian walked up to the junction & started to cross after I'd already started my right turn. Luckily the oncoming cars realised my predicament & stopped. However I could have been hit by a distracted driver.
At 3:30 when crossing the second half of that road - it doesn't matter that the lights have changed, I would still look always left. The number of people flying through lights that have only just changed to red is high, and it's shown on this channel all the time. No amount of compensation, medical treatment, or arguing over who should've had priority is going to restore the degree of mobility you had before being knocked down.
I personally feel this is a good move and will make it safer. Even on our school walk there are blind corners (because of cars + busy road) people looking for opportunity and running across as soon as there is a gap. So dangerous as some driver don't slow as think have right of way. No matter how vigilant you are there is always a risk someone turn with late signal. Think adults need to start in safe way make cars stop or people will never change. Even now because of this rule so much more careful when using junctions.
In the netherlands I can't really think of any roundabout that doesnt have zebra crossing if it doesnt have traffic light control. Then again we are enforced to only give way to pedestrians (when we are participating in road traffic (think driving a car/riding a bycicle or leading a horse by the reigns)) when we have to either A: cross a zebra crossing or B: cross over pedestrian roads. Most situations in the netherlands are decently straight forward in that regard. This is something Brittain might improve upon a little. Clarify to road users when pedestrians are supposed to be given way to through markings on the road.
i just have my own mindset of "i will cross when its safe" sometimes its a bit of that "im taking priority" attitude from the drivers perspective as i do sometimes literally just cross at a crossing while a car is coming (but granted they are at such a distance where i can make it at normal walking speed, and sometimes i even prefer not to press the buttons to cross as it just disrupts traffic flow and i am usually only stopping one car, i can jut wait for them to go and its clear, maybe one day ill get myself killed but so far i havent had any near misses, infact i even had a situation where i crossed straight after someone else pressed the button (because this particular crossing always goes green man in 1-2 seconds and in every case doesnt let any of the oncoming cars through) and actually if i had waited i would've been hit by a red light jumper
As a pedestrian I'm fine waiting for gaps as i have been for decades. As a driver that situation at 0:25 is just preposterous, i am simply not stopping in a main road with traffic behind me to wait for someone to acknowledge my pause and then them to cross. Nope. Confusion and accidents will inevitably happen. A rule change that simple did not need changing.
I don’t agree with the rules myself but they have to be followed. Being hit from behind is usually the fault of the car behind and was long before the recent changes to the Highway Code. If you get hit from behind, you have not usually caused the accident irrespective of whether you’re giving way to a pedestrian.
@@dwayne_dibley As far as i'm aware you would not be punished if you do not stop for a pedestrian in that situation but only if a collision occurs if they have stepped out. To me that is how it was before. It is a nonsense change and i would rather have someone wait by a kerb for an extra 3 seconds than risk anyone pile into the back of my vehicle by me halting in the middle of a main road. And as a pedestrian i would prefer to cross by a crossing or wait for an open gap. That is what i'll follow and i suspect millions of others will.
Another factor here is folk like me who are visually impaired pedestrians. Quite often I cant see a car stopping to give me priority until its pretty much next to me. This can cause frustration with car drivers some of who say “didnt you see ne flash my lights? But personally I prefer it and feel safer when cars dont stop and I choose my own path
Interesting video. But I was of the understanding that at traffic lights it's different because vehicles must comply with traffic signals. This was in a dvsa dispatch discussion, answered by dvsa spokesman, annoyingly, can't remember which blog.
As a driver I'm trying hard to comply with the new rules but I admit I don't always remember as the old way is so entrenched after 30 years driving. In addition, there are times when my assessment of a situation leads me to do it the old way anyway, because the old way is so established, to do it differently can, on occasion, be far more risky.
The highway code uses 'should' for drivers to give way to pedestrians waiting at T junctions. As far as I read, the section on roundabouts only says that drivers should take extra care around pedestrians, the wording does not seem to be the same as the wording for T junctions. When I cross at roundabouts I take the same care as you did. Particularly where a single lane road opens to two lanes at the entrance to the roundabout.
@tony w T junctions & crossroads I agree with, roundabouts I do not, there is too much going on at roundabouts with some drivers not even knowing the give way to the right rules let alone give way to pedestrians to the left at the same time, with multi lane exits off a roundabout it is a recipe for serious incidents. The wording is also ambiguous and leaves it open to everyone's own interpretation whatever that may be. Very poor information and lack of publicity from Gov & DVSA
3:50 - Pretty sure that when a pedestrian is at a junction controlled by traffic lights the changes don’t apply anyway as traffic will follow the direction of the lights.
On the whole "pedestrian confused at been given priority" question, it's been a mixed bag of people not understanding what i'm doing to people just walking across the road like they own the place. At a rough estimate, i'd say 40-50% of pedestrians i engage have smoothly understood what's going on and caused minimal flow to traffic, so i guess there's room to grow.
What I've found is that drivers are _less_ willing to allow me to cross at junctions (and I'm thinking more of 'ordinary' junctions without islands, pelican or zebra crossings)! It's almost as if a lot of drivers have taken umbrage at pedestrians being given priority and are not afraid to show it.
TBH, I've had issues trying to get used to this change, missed a couple of times I should have waited. Had a few where they've waited for me to go across. Also had it happen to me, me waiting to cross a junction. I turn around to check, and like an owl, I watch this car slow for the turn and keep going... clearly stood at the junction, clearly looking to safely cross. As said, its not gonna be an easy change, though, it doesn't look like its gonna change at all at the moment
I enjoyed a couple of pedestrians who walked out in front of me at a traffic light controlled zebra crossing. It was on a green for traffic to continue and they just walked out with their hands palming at me, shouting for the traffic to stop. Good luck with the next car that doesn't stop.
3:30 was an interesting road to cross there is no pedestrian light phase here but unusually the road markings seem to include two rows of studs. A classic marking requirement for a pedestrian crossing. 8:20 Is a staggered pedestrian crossing generally these are use in busy urban areas with large numbers of pedestrians which can be accommodated on the elongated island with two independents pedestrian crossings. They are also installed in places that do not have large numbers of pedestrians but have experienced cyclists who speed across in a straight line. The staggered design prevents this.
There are some situations where I personally think it's more dangerous to stop rather than continuing cautiously. But I personally haven't been in an awkward position since the rule change.
All of the roundabouts around me have two entrance lanes and are clearly designed for high speeds, despite seeing little traffic and being in 30 zones. If these could be redesigned to be single lanes and with other features to force drivers to slow down, it wouldn’t affect the traffic flow at all, but would really help pedestrians and cyclists.
Last week I was driving down Redcliffe Gardens in West London and wanted to turn left onto Fawcett Street but a lady was crossing so I stopped… and got rear ended. Happy days.
A pre-veiwing comment: I was actually going to ask you if making a video from a pedestrians' perpective might be worthwhile...and here it is! After all, you've also made videos from a cyclists perspective and of course lorry driver. I will take a look at your video now Ash. Seems great minds think alike!
Your experience same as mine. Both parties will need to begin to understand the changes Roundabouts are a nightmare. I will happily stop on approach to let pedestrians cross, but in my experience stopping as you exit is still a lottery. If there are two lanes approaching exiting any pedestrian would be wary. Last week I had to turn left into a sideroad and there was a pedestrian with a pram waiting to cross. I stopped my turn, but with cars waiting to turn out she wasn't prepared to cross with a pram between waiting cars so I had to continue my manouver.
I know youve said it multiple times but "Priority is given, not taken" is the most perfect statement when out on the roads in whatever mode of transport, but quite a few people dont understand this concept.
Where it is taken rather than given its dangerous but failure to give way is worse.
@@PCDelorian Sooo... taking priority then.
What if you’re half way across and the car hits you? Who is at fault?
@@leetori1 Obviously the driver. It is never OK to hit pedestrians
Very true - drivers should wait at junctions until the pedestrian has given them priority.
As a regular foot commuter in a small town I'd say that nothing has changed at all in terms of most driver behaviour. I've been subjected to the usual horn blasts, people driving at me and "punishment" near passes from drivers who think I should not only not be given priority when crossing but that I should either develop psychic powers to know that they intend to turn into side roads without indicating or the ability to simply evaporate when they do.
To repeat a comment I made on a similar post: Totally hate when that happens. And the non signalling driver often gets angry and (as you stated) expects the pedestrian to now quickly get out of their way, even giving the pedestrian a close shave as they impatiently turn. This shouldn't even happen if they DID signal!
Not that this behaviour should have to be tolerated, but i would suggest you don't cross if a car is approaching your turn signalling or not. Expect them to be a 🔔🔚
@@DrWhosmate This is how I treat drivers (and pedestrians) whether I am driving/riding or walking. Same for if someone IS indicating. Just because their indicator is on does NOT mean they are turning.
@@DrWhosmate Yes that's all sensible advice but if the road is busy, you may be waiting a long time "just in case". Repeat at every single side street and it's going to take that much longer to walk to your destination if it's busy. It is a judgement call though.
I have to wonder, the drivers that engage in this type of behaviour towards pedestrians, how do they themselves like to be treated as a pedestrian and how would they feel if and when treated with such contempt by other motorists? It works both ways and every driver is also a pedestrian at some point
@@ibs5080 Sure, I only mentioned it as it seemed like the obvious fix to the problem the OP mentioned they were having.
I personally do not think that our roads have been designed with this new rule in mind. At around 6:35 when you're wanting to cross and wondering if those cars exiting the roundabout would stop, I honestly as a motorist would not want to stop there because I just do not trust other road users around me to notice this sort of driving behavior because it's so different to what people understand here. I am scared of being rear ended in such situations. When I drove in Japan and we made turns on left at a 4 way intersection, they always had zebra crossing markings. Cars always pulled away and move slightly towards the left but would stop and wait naturally for pedestrians crossing there. This is a very foreign concept for us in this country. As much as I'd like to observe this part of the highway code, I'm honestly not comfortable with doing it yet in many situations. Some smaller roads and stuff I am already doing it, but larger and busier roads like that to me are just a no go. Same with if I was coming off of even a 30mph 2 lane one way road in a town. I would not feel comfortable stopping and holding up cars in a live lane for fear of accidents behind me. I'd rather keep going.
I feel exactly the same here. I'm adhering to all of the new changes except the exiting the roundabout one, as you're often doing 20-30 with a driver somewhere nearby, and no trust can be given that they're even aware of the pedestrian you can see at the side of the road.
Agreed, it seems a way of causing an accident by trying to prevent one.
@@ianhill4585 Save pedestrians lives is priority over metal boxes getting a few dints in the back.
@@5manjaysan Pedestrians are already safe if they're standing off the road.
@@interpolpirate Excellent point.
Thank you for doing this video from the prospective of pedestrians. I think drivers often forget how vulnerable walkers are in these encounters.
I've had plenty of pedestrians oblivious to the fact when I've stopped to allow them to cross the road. I can count on one hand the number who have picked up on the fact I'm giving them priority, but my favourite moment is a couple of teenagers who noticed I was waiting for them to cross the road before I turn into my street and picked up the pace and lightly jogged across the road to clear for me. Essentially making good practice of keeping the flow going, I didn't have to come to a complete stop for them but rather slowed down to a crawling pace thanks to them, gave them a little toot and we exchanged a cheerful wave, my acknowledgement of them crossing faster to allow me to make my right turn sooner
It’s amazing how many urban signal controlled junctions these days still lack pedestrian signals, even ones that have been replaced with newer signals
It seems really insane dangerous to have a light controlled junction but no lights for the pedestrians. What baffles me even more that 3 out of the 4 approaches have absolutely no markings whatsoever on the ground to indicate that there is a pedestrian crossing there. Even the one that is marked has been done poorly.
@BadDriversOfTennessee Pedestrians don't have to wait for them, the red man light is only advisory.
@@simonavarne9635 I never waited at red pedestrian lights, feels silly when there are no cars in sight, But since having kids that is what I do now, drives me crazy sometimes.
@@grantdennison69 Good to teach kids the right thing :)
@@TheKalkalash Cost-benefit analysis is a major factor. The cost of installing and maintaining the extra infrastructure relative to the number of injuries sustained. So, money has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is our pocket as taxpayers. A less understood aspect is how adding cycles to lights can affect traffic flow, not just at that particular junction, but potentially many others in the vicinity. Changing one junction to have a pedestrian cycle is a headache, changing them all a nightmare.
There is a difference between a "pedestrian crossing" and a "place for pedestrians to cross", one comes with lots of legislation attached and is a legally defined feature, one is pretty much linked only to the disability legislation. Again, cost/benefit is a major factor in deciding which should be installed. To install, not maintain, a basic zebra crossing starts at around £30,000, more if additional lighting, high friction surfaces etc. are required, and of course, they require maintaining too.
So, if everyone wants to pay 80% taxation, we can have all those things, but people vote with their wallets as much as anything.
Agree with your assessment of junctions, per updated rules 170-183, specifically rule 170 -"give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning." However roundabouts covered by a seperate set of rules 184-190, within which Rule 187 states : "In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to... pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads." Note specific language"give way to" is absent. So, not only are many unaware of the rule changes, even those that are aware of the changes have interpreted the rules differently. I guess be patient and continue to expect the unexpected whatever your chosen method of travel...
correct
A clear indication that the term "junction", in the new changes regarding pedestrians, is for the T type (and Y type) only....and not intended for entry/exit to roundabouts as suggested by some.
Exactly this. Not only do junctions and roundabouts have separate sets of rules in the highway code, there are multiple instances in the highway code where it refers to "junctions AND roundabouts" which enforces the fact that although many think of a roundabout as a junction, the highway code treats them differently. If the highway code had intended the change to cover roundabouts, they would of altered the rules accordingly.
@@heathoatmeal been saying this for weeks
Rule 187 has not been updated (other than moving some of it to 186), which is interesting. Is it an oversight, or do they consider or not consider roundabouts to be covered by rule 170? I have been giving way on roundabout exits when safe to do so, but it feels wrong.
Giving priority to pedestrians on uncontrolled junctions has happened to me as a driver only twice since the rules changed and both times it was utter confusion with the pedestrians being unwilling to cross until I'd gone. In both cases I decided, after a pause to move on rather than hold everyone up, making sure I indicated my intention with creeping the car first. Yes, I think this is going to take some time to creep into the general consciousness.
Same here, I really can't see the logic behind this. I can only imagine the decision to do this is down to the folk who wander around with their heads in their mobile phones not paying attention. I don't think this moves is a good one at all, despite abiding by it,... but I am waiting for a shunt from the car behind when having to give way at a roundabout for a crossing pedestrian - which apparently, roundabouts are junctions, even though this isn't stated in the highway code.
Geoff as someone who is medically blind (world is all blurry) and uses a white cane I can’t tell if you’re giving way to me, or another vehicle, so I will actually step back, or turn away from the road to show you I don’t intend to cross. The only place I cross in front of a waiting car is on a “pinch point” that stops overtaking, or cars from other directions (so an island over a single lane or a chicane type island that changes a 2 way road into a single lane where traffic has to give way to the vehicle using it).
@@lynnenicholson6968 I've seen other discussions with guide-dog users who have said that their dog will never guide them across the road if there's traffic nearby whether it's stopped or not. I can't help thinking that road users with visual difficulties haven't been properly considered in this change. However, as Ash would say, common sense should prevail, stepping back to show that you have no intention of crossing the road is a great way to signal your intentions leading to another of Ash's sayings: "priority is given, not taken". So when you step back you are effectively giving priority to the vehicle.
@@geoffclements269 yes guide dogs are trained not to cross in front of cars.
Great channel Ashley, yours is the voice of common sense, you should be given a program on TV.
Even as a wheelchair user, my experience has been much like yours, although I often have to go searching for suitably dropped kerbs, and that often takes me a long way from junctions. Some drivers show more consideration than before the changes and some don’t even see people waiting to cross at or near junctions. I did notice that when I had to travel considerable distances on roads to find dropped kerbs, all drivers gave me plenty of clearance. It is scary when cars pass too close at 30 mph, but that did not happen today.
As you say, we all need some of that rare commodity ‘common sense’ The new rules only came into force about six weeks ago, and there has been insufficient publicity, but the majority of drivers will adapt, even if it takes a few high-profile court cases to get the message across.
Thank you, and keep up the good work.
"Priority is given, not taken" goes hand in hand with "There's no point being in the right and being dead".
my dad simply said, "don't be dead right"
Couldn’t agree more, the people that live on paper and not in the world of skin do my head in.
Aka the “I was in the right therefore you have to pay for my incompetence in self preservation” people
It's a nice theory. But when people think they have priority, it doesn't work. This video shows an example of a bunch of teenagers crossing a road THINKING they have priority when they don't, because the rules on when exactly it applies are non-trivial and beyond a lot of people to figure out. And the media is full of conflicting opinions.
@@dakrontu those are exactly the people it needs to be told to. It's not a theory, it's a lesson in physics.
6:32 I had a really happy moment a few days ago when I was cycling in the left lane near a car in the right lane both approaching a roundabout with pedestrians waiting to cross and as I was preparing for the driver to not give way we both did! The pedestrians seemed very happy and I’m sure both the driver and I were as well! Refreshing.
I was talking about this with my husband yesterday when we were out walking the dogs. There are lots of roundabouts our way on housing estates that don't have the zebra crossings you seem to have. But certainly drivers weren't stopping yesterday at the start of a housing estate where there's a small roundabout while we were waiting to cross with the dogs. But it doesn't bother me if they don't stop for me. I prefer to have the control, as it were. I do keep meaning to take a video to send to you about a bigger roundabout and potential issues with that that worry me (when I'm driving). But on the whole, no I've not noticed many cars stopping for pedestrians.
As a frequent pedestrian I agree with you on having control. I am far more happier crossing in my own time rather than when someone stops to allow me to cross. The scariest incident I have experienced was while crossing after a driver stopped to allow me to cross, the car approaching behind him was too impatient and swerved around him into the opposing lane while I was halfway across it. They had no regard to me (must have seen me I was wearing hi-vis) and I had to leap off the road. The driver who had stopped was visibly shocked as he thought I was hit.
are the rules at roundabouts the same or different as at junctions?
@Macbobob every entrance and exit on a roundabout is a junction.
Rule 187 deals with pedestrians at roundabouts.
Not most, but many drivers still go too fast on busy roundabouts. It's not just about the traffic, but the pedestrian crossings also require full attention. And as risk increases, speed should decrease to account for the amount that needs to be observed. Mistakes can easily be made through lack of concentration. To be honest, when I'm a pedestrian, and near a busy roundabout, I'd rather take a slightly longer route to cross if I have any doubts at all. The video demonstrates a healthy sense of self-preservation and consideration. Good luck getting 100,000 subscribers, and far beyond, so that luck plays less of a part in saving life and limb on the world's roads!
We got beeped at (I was a passenger) for pulling out on a roundabout with plenty of space yesterday, and the driver who beeped clearly sped up to do so. I don't get it, if people slow down for a big roundabout, it flows better. But then again many people only care about their own journey.
Personally, I'm thankful for the new rules regarding pedestrian crossings. Where I used to live, numerous accidents had happened because cars would actually _speed up_ toward zebra crossings if they saw pedestrians looking to cross because they were intent on getting through before a pedestrian stepped out. So dangerous, and what's more frightening is how justified they felt in this behaviour.
I've witnessed this behaviour too many times now, even while I've been on the crossing. People either don't know the rules or they just don't care about the safety of other road users.
A lot of car users learnt to drive on Grand Theft Auto
Lol. I remember watching my dad play GTA and laughing at the fact that he would stop at red lights and wait for them to change. Until that point, i hadn't even noticed the traffic lights in the game😂
@@raithrover1976 there's traffic lights in GTA? 😆
i was almost mowed down by a cyclist who was on the pavement today, plus while i was in my car, i came up to a T junction, i was going to turn right and a cyclist decided to undercut me on my left hand side turned right himself, while there was traffic going past, having to make the other drivers slow down quite suddenly, good job to everyone that decided to let him just go because it quite frankly would of been a fatility otherwise. and the worst part was he didnt even acknowledge any of the cars that he had affected, cyclist are becoming way too bold and i wish i had footage because it would of made for an interesting topic on this channel for you to break down. i am really glad i am a subscriber of this channel because i have learned so much and i will continue to do so. so thankyou ashly :)
I've had a few instances where the pedestrian has been genuinely surprised that I am waiting to let them cross (both when cycling and driving), but what's really been surprising is the lack of impatience with people behind me (again, both when cycling and driving).
Despite the apocalyptic newspaper drivel, people genuinely seem to get it.
I haven't (yet) had problems with impatient drivers behind but as a pedestrian I hate crossing in front of a turning vehicle at a side road and often won't do so.
The whole thing about people behind was ridiculous anyway. Everyone knows if the road user in front slows down or stops you have to react to it. It makes not the slightest bit of difference why they stopped. Right turns have always required a potential stop. What's the difference?
@@gpk6458 ah, but you're applying a train of logical thought far beyond the abilities of the average reader of the Daily Express. It's no big revelation that 90% of all dashcam content wouldn't exist if the driver of the cam-car would just slow down a bit and use a bit of hazard perception.
I few times the last few months this has happened to me as a pedestrian. I'm waiting for a vehicle to turn and they stop to let me go and I realise I need to get my ass across. Realise I can't encourage them to go first, that's pressuring them into breaking the code.
Great video, i was thinking a couple of days ago that most drivers don't know about updates to the highway code, a pedestrian wouldn't even look it up unless someone mentions it
When I've crossed roads as a pedestrian since the change, driver behaviour hasn't altered to accommodate the new rules which suggests they've been very poorly communicated. As a driver I try to follow the new rules where I can but when leaving a roundabout or turning off of a main road, if there's traffic behind its rarely safe to do so as the driver behind is not expecting me to stop so the risk of an accident is too high. If you're stationary waiting to enter a roundabout or turn out of a side road you have much more control over those behind and so there's no reason not to give pedestrians priority but I don't think it's sensible or safe to require drivers to stop on a roundabout to allow pedestrians to cross the road they're exiting onto. That's just asking for trouble.
I've commented elsewhere on the various aspects of this video but just to say there are some really interesting discussions / comments here. I'm really glad Ash made this video as it's quite a hot topic.
Excellent video. This should be broadcast on prime time television every day for a week to raise awareness of what the revised rules mean in real life (especially the 'given, not taken') message.
For years roundabout have be praised as the "big solution", but I wasn't aware how problematic they were for pedestrians, if not equipped with zebra crossings, especially if they have more than one lane. I wasn't aware of the old rules in the UK that didn't give priority to pedestrians at junctions and zebra crossings and that roundabouts without zebra crossing are common. Here in Germany as long as I can remember pedestrians have had priority in those situations, and busy roundabouts with pedestrian traffic but without zebra crossings are basically non-existent.
One question: Isn't it now a dangerous situation for drivers to stop for pedestrians when exiting a roundabout? Especially when they are in lanes 2 or 3, because that has been where, until now, vehicles accelerated out of the junction and drivers behind may not expect you to stop.
Yep, it's a nightmare trying to cross roundabouts as a pedestrian. I don't think the new rules are "right" here, as in roundabouts exit should be priority for cars.
Having said that, as a pedestrian I have always, and continue to take the view that "if you can see I'm here, and want to exit, but are not indicating with your lights that you're coming off, I'm just going to cross". If they beep or similar, I point at their indicator in exasperation.
One day, I might be hit by this approach... :)
What about the disabled? I cannot cross the road at your speed. If drivers don’t behave reasonably I have great difficulty crossing. Drivers should never assume pedestrians have good eyesight or hearing either.
I should add that I was taught that pedestrians ALWAYS have priority once they are in the road. I taught the same for over 20 years as a driving instructor.
None of this excuses careless behaviour by pedestrians, of course.
I will always stop to let a disabled person cross, unless it's exiting a roundabout.
Roundabouts were designed to allow traffic to flow as efficiently as possible. Therefore, I'm confident in saying that nearly all drivers would not give pedestrians priority at a roundabout. If you stop when exiting a roundabout, you'll likely make a traffic jam and the dangerous, impatient few will get angry
Good point!
Agree completely. A good driver will assume that every pedestrian could have a disability and treat them accordingly. Too many people in general forget that a large proportion of disabilities are completely invisible.
@@TimSter15 It sounds to me like you only stop to let people with visible disabilities cross. What about people with disabilities that you can't distinguish with a quick glance?
@@JamesWilson01 let me amend my original statement; I'll always stop, when safe to do so, to let pedestrians cross
I was unsure whether I should give way to pedestrians when exiting a roundabout. I can't say I feel comfortable with or like the idea. Stopping to let them cross a road or junction is one thing but coming off a roundabout feels much more dangerous with the other traffic around you especially when most people seem to want to get roundabouts done and out of the way with as soon as possible.
It seems like a crazy part of the new rules. You are trying to exit and have to stop, potentially with another car driving behind you, and also a possible lane 1 driver who is going around the roundabout. The view from lane who is driving in a clockwise circle won't always see that the roundabout is going into standstill.
This new rule is going to cause a lot of crashes.
@@TheVicar It's possible to do by taking the roundabout slowly and slowing down if someone needs to cross but the problem is not many others take roundabouts slowly especially painted ones, they just want to fly across them or past you.
@@garymason7 Indeed. The safest way for the new rules to now work would be to use the French method of cars that are approaching a roundabout having priority over cars on the roundabout. The French method seems mad to us but the new rules of stopping on a roundabout is also mad.
@@TheVicar This hasn't been the French method for decades.
@@hairywol Cheers. I didn't know it had changed. Seemed like a nutty method to me.
I think with roundabouts with two lane entry/exit it could even be very dangerous to give priority.
But you have to be prepared to stop in case the pedestrian steps out in front of you. The point of the new H2 rule is to allow pedestrians to cross without having to step out into the traffic.
@@simonavarne9635 a driver can only be responsible for their own lane. By stopping or slowing down it runs the risk of making cars behind change lane to overtake the driver as they may not have seen why the car (van?) was slowing down in the first place. But by slowing down it implies (and puts pressure) on the pedestrian to cross. Thus creating a more dangerous situation if the pedestrian isn’t paying attention. This one rule has to be rethought out.
@@duncanarrow You can't be held responsible for a bad driver behind you. Over time people will get used to giving way at junctions and hopefully that sort of irresponsible and dangerous behaviour of the driver you describe behind you will become a thing of the past.
@@simonavarne9635 hmmmm, “over time” you say... And in the meantime how many near misses, collisions and fatal accidents will occur? Not to mention students who fail their driving test due to this confused rule. This doesn’t solve a problem that needed to be fixed.
@@simonavarne9635 if I stopped in lane 1 and another vehicle sped past me in lane 2, hit and killed or seriously injured a pedestrian, do you really think I'm not going to feel some responsibility? I certainly would, probably would haunt me the rest of my life.
I still think that this is all going to end in tears, you have different rules being applied to different junctions with different circumstances.
As I have commented on your videos before in the safety industry it is recognised that when things become complicated they become dangerous.
These rules are complicated and I’ll thought out, they expect people who have no education on road safety to understand what to do when confronted by situations that are often open to Interpretation.
[Keep it simple… look and if it is safe to do so then step out in the road, if it’s not safe then don’t step out]
We must legislate for ignorance and error. Do Not ask people to put their safety in the hands of others who might not understand or may screw up.
I completely agree. These new rules should never have been introduced. All it has done is to cause confusion, with no benefit as far as I can see. The old rules have been in place for over 100 years, they made complete sense and were intuitive to everybody. Now, nobody can be exactly sure who has got priority and what's the right thing to do. It's just caused confusion all round. How can this be safer?
@@HoppyTheRobot nit wit pencil pushers don’t have the intelligence to recognise that.
The other problem is different driving instructors on UA-cam are interpreting this rule slightly differently. This is the one HC change that is downright dangerous.
@@HoppyTheRobot That's all part of the plan to get people off the road.
Ashley: I've noticed that most people look towards the flow of the traffic when crossing. But I'd like to remind everyone about things that often go against the flow of traffic, including bikes (like the ones at 9:13), e-bikes, e-scooters, reversing vehicles and, of course, pedestrians. It's safest to look in all four directions: left, right, front, back, *every* time you cross. You can live longer this way. Some really bad signalling at 6:20, by the way.
Thank you Ashley! I've been practising these changes for years - as you said, culturally we've been carrying out these Highway Code changes anyway.
Got my theory test on Friday!
Interesting topic to cover. Many people will assume priority but - as you rightly say - it's given; not taken. I choose my time to cross the road carefully as it's better to be delayed for 30 seconds rather than an unplanned trip to A&E.
Stay safe everyone 👍.
Great video Ash! Very helpful and informative, just depressing how many road users ignore the rules :/ that's why I always still look at crossings even if others walk straight out, cause as you said, "priority is given not taken"👍
Great video Ashley. On my cycle channel I’m constantly told by commenters that “Pedestrians always have the right of way”.
This appears to be a widely held miss conception, a dangerous one too.
I see many pedestrians on my commute who walk out in front without looking, or even see me but walk out regardless believing I have to stop. Pedestrians are more likely to do this to cyclists than drivers.
Rule 7d of the Highway Code remains since the update of the rules, which states that, when pedestrians are crossing they must first look and:
“if traffic is coming, let it pass”
and:
“Do not cross until there is a safe gap in the traffic”
This implies that priority is with the road traffic. This is common sense too, but I take your point that it’s not always that common! 😉👍🏻
One problem is that drivers usually do not indicate when turning if there are no other vehicles around. As a pedestrian I rely on vehicles indicating to judge when it is safe to cross.
As a daily pedestrian in a large city I've only had one driver not give way to me at a T junction in the last couple of weeks. Then again I'm a big bloke who walks fast so pretty hard to miss. I make it clear that they're going to force me do the equivalent of a pedestrian emergency stop and always say thanks when the driver gives way. All very cordial apart from that one driver who just stared at me like I was the idiot!
my city in the states does periodic enforcement operations to remind drivers that pedestrians have priority. the "decoy pedestrian" they use is comfortably over 6 feet tall and 3 feet across; and wears a tropical print shirt, so nobody can claim they couldn't see him without calling their eligibility to drive into question.
@@kenbrown2808 Hah, that's a really good idea actually. Hope they do it in the UK one of these days. Being 6'5 and black I don't need the bright clothes... People definitely notice me but unfortunately that can be pretty uncomfortable with certain types. Just something you have to get used to but I'll admit it does come in handy with these new pedestrian rules!
When shopping, I walk from one supermarket to another and cross by a mini roundabout. No one has stopped from my right as I cross but some do from my left as I cross from a small refuge between the two carriageways. I don't really expect them to and certainly not going to take the risk they will if I step out. As a driver, I've given way a couple of times, when safe to do so. Another good video Ashley, thanks.
It's all very new. Several times I've not let people cross and thought "I should have stopped and let them cross, I'll try and remember next time" and times I have remembered to stop and the car behind hasn't beeped because they remembered. I've turned into a road and people were crossing and they went to go back but, I stopped and waved them over (it was clear the other side. The old rules kicked in and the usual avoid crashing/runing people over).
As a pedestrian I waited for a car to go and was confused when it stopped and only remembered when they waved me across!
Wait for things to develop, wise words Ashley. As a professional road user, that's what I am thinking. My main concern stopping on a right turn is somebody rear ending me, a distinct risk I feel.
Thanks for sharing ✅️
Good video very enlightening👀
It would be interesting to hear your perspective of these new laws and how blind and partially sighted pedestrians deal with them. Might also be a good learning point for drivers. Myself as being visually impaired I don’t “look blind” so it can be confusing for myself and drivers if I don’t identify that a driver is giving way to me or if they are just slowing down for the junction. Personally the flashing of headlights is the best option and good use of clearly showing their intent.
Flashing headlights very ambiguous, though.
Hey Jono, I’m medically blind, drivers flashing lights, or waving through the windscreen are on a wasted journey with me. My eye condition means I have a permanent disco of lights flashing 24/7, I can’t see the driver waving me across either. I still use the same method of stepping back from the kerb, or turning away from the road if I’m not sure if I’m safe to cross. I’ve got my long white cane and a white walking stick so I find it awkward to wave a car on.
I only cross if a car stops if I’m at a crossing at a “pinch point” or chicane where the stationary vehicle blocks the way.
@@lynnenicholson6968 yeah totally get your position. I suppose with you having the cane it’s a visual indicator for the driver. I generally don’t need a cane as I can get about without it. For me I can see a car but I don’t see things like hand gestures. In the video at the roundabout if a car was approaching and waved to give way from a distance I would t see that. If they flashed their lights then I would hence why I’d suggest that’s a more obvious cue especially when I don’t have a guide dog or cans.
Some crossings are situated in such a poor position at roundabouts or junctions, that vehicles have to stop on the crossing to see what is coming from their right. We have one at the top of Hill Lane, in Southampton. It is a busy zebra crossing positioned right by a small roundabout, and vehicles have to wait at the give way sign just after the crossing to be able to see what is approaching from the road to their right. However, if the vehicle is long, such as a bus or lorry, it means it straddles the zebra crossing whilst waiting.
I daily walk around an industrial estate used frequently by learner drivers. Even the ones in school cars are not obeying the new laws, which I find surprising to say the least.
1.39 enters and partially blocks a keep clear zone. Nicely done.
Hi Mr Neal,
Your spot on it will take a while for the new rules to take effect. But as both a driver and a pedestrian I've noticed it on both sides.
As a pedestrian I think maybe 2 people at most have given way to me when they should have.
As a driver I have let people cross when I was supposed to most of them appreciate it.
However I have also had kids pull out in front of me on bikes doing stupid stuff like wheelies.
Even while on the A92 driving to work I was just enjoying the drive while changing the radio in my car.
I got to the station where I work only to find the system playing on Automation and it was playing Blacklace Agadoo.
While I have DAB in my car the only way to hear us is via the station website or on 1287 Medium Wave.
But getting back to the point I'm glad you made this video to highlight what looks like most of my fellow motorists need to look at.
Very good video!
Common sense of course, so don't expect following your sensible points will be as widespread as might be hoped.
Best wishes from George
Interesting that you said you were “safely back in your car”. Tells a lot about where we think we are safest. Yet the amount of drivers that seem opposed to the clarifications in the HWC regarding vulnerable road users is astonishing. Maybe they don’t feel unsafe in their cocoons and therefore can’t see the risks to others?
Nonsense. On the contrary. Driving a car now gives me a dark sense of foreboding because of the uncertainty of how pedestrians and cyclists and other vehicles will respond given the conflicting opinions in the media caused by the vagueness and unforeseen consequences of the HC changes. NO ONE wants to live with having caused harm to another person.
Being a pedestrian is something we all have in common at times but I honestly wouldn't expect those cars to stop mid exit on that busy roundabout
Can't wait for the HC changes / From a horse riders point of view video.
And the reason you've spoken about are why the new rule changes really need a lot more clarification on where, when and how, because its all well and good saying the car driver has to give priority, but if the drive doesn't see you, or you just assume a miss intended flash or hand movement there will be a lot of paperwork and hospital time involved along with the possible convictions.
And from your video the majority of junctions have been near enough T's with right angles. A lot of area nears me have junctions that effectively double back so you may not see the pedestrian because they are effectively behind you when you begin the turn in ..
Those bikes at the end were dangerous, but you can see why they chose the pavement, that road had no provisions for cyclists at all. Sure, your experienced and confident cyclists would be fine navigating that busy roundabout, but I doubt many people would be happy for their 10 year old child to ride through there. Hopefully the UK wakes up and installs proper cycling infrastructure
I have seen situations where there is a shared pavement in operation and where cyclists are expected to turn into pedestrians at a roundabout.
much of the UK's in a bit of a bind in that regard, due to the fact the spaces between the buildings are narrow enough to already limit the amount of road you can have.
Cycles can easily be pushed. This is how the Highways see it, and you can dismount and navigate larger road systems via the foot paths provided. However I agree cyclist do need more options than “get off and walk”.
@@hausmaster9801 .
Cyclists have a right to use the road and it should not be denied out of convenience.
Why should a person driving a car, have a greater right than a person on a bicycle. What makes them more important.
@@grahvis I didn’t say it did and I agree with you however the Highways people don’t. They see it as roads are for motorised vehicles, and the transportation of goods.
If you think about it mixing a 2tn machine with a half wit at the controls and a bicycle with a half with at the controls it does make a good cake!
Roadways that we know today were mainly developed for cars, lorrys, vans, etc due to the influx of people using them, we only have ourselves to blame. There are more cars in this country than ever before I believe the numbers average out to almost 3 per household now that’s a lot! Compared the numbers and the infrastructure makes sense.
As I previously said though I agree, and believe that many need to be changed for the better of cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. (Don’t even get me started on “smart” motorways)
If more people cycle (and they are) the infrastructure will change and include them. Look at Cambridge, there are so many cyclists there (a lot students) and the infrastructure has been out in place. It is faster to go from one side of the city to the other via cycle, or electric scooter (if it has the range) than it is to drive.
You also have to remember they can’t just “pop in” a cycle lane, there is a lot to consider when planning roads, because one small mistake can mean a life or many are lost.
At 3:55 you suggest that the new update requires drivers to give way to pedestrians at a junction - but that’s not what it says. They should give way to pedestrians if they are turning (rule h2) - there’s no requirement to do so for vehicles going straight ahead. My expectations of being given way to remain low :-).
How ironically anti-resident our residential areas are! We can't even walk across our own neighbourhoods with confidence or safety in 3:05 . The vulnerable have to be ferried unnecessarily in cars because of how individualistic our road planning is. We seem to care more about people that pass through our neighbourhood more than the people that live within those neighbourhoods
It has long been a bone of contention with me that roads in many towns are more designed for those passing through, than for those who live there.
The light sequences are enough time for a vulnerable person to cross. Those none box controlled junctions are designed that way. Ever sat at one and wondered “well no one’s going why is it still red?!” this is why.
I agree it isn’t the safest of pedestrian crossing, as it does mean everyone passing, pedestrian or driver has to be 100% aware of their surroundings.
You also have to remember the drivers have to give priority to pedestrians in the roadway crossing, and I’m sure not many people are going to get aggressive with a vulnerable pedestrian. If they do it should be reported and they should loose their license. I hold hope in most of this country however I have to admit it is dwindling rather swiftly
I'm not sure where the interpretation that at e.g. 3:15 you would have a "new" right to go across without waiting for a gap in the traffic comes from. The new rule (H2) says:
At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road *into which or from which you are turning.*
If you waited until a green light for the traffic in Town Row, then they should give way to a pedestrian crossing if they wish to turn into Melwood Drive, but there is no indication whatsoever that the traffic on Melwood Drive (that is going _straight across_ the junction, not turning into it) should give way to a pedestrian intending to cross, even on a marked (but not a zebra) crossing.
ETA In fact, I'm doubtful that the interpretation actually applies to traffic entering a roundabout. .. at the very least, that should be quickly clarified and the explanation given some publicity.
Good video as always Ashley.
I noticed that you mentioned about the cycling on the pavements (which I agree is dangerous for pedestrians) but one thing I always see in your videos are the amount of cars parked on the pavements. Do you think that these are a problem? Not only blocking access for pedestrians, but also blocking visibility for people crossing roads too. Sorry if you have covered it before, but it does seem to be the elephant in the room when talking about driving legally and safely which you are such a champion of!
Thank you for your videos, they make a positive difference to so many road users.
I've had a few occasions on my daily commute where I've stopped to a pedestrian cross and they've been completely oblivious. I've also had a couple of situations where I wanted to stop to let somebody cross after a roundabout but I wasn't confident that the car behind me would realise what I was doing.
One thing I've noticed is that at roundabouts drivers will sometimes slow a little more than usual, I think with the intention of letting me cross. But they only do this for like a couple of seconds max before continuing anyway since I don't cross. Sorry to those drivers if it's an inconvenience but I just don't feel comfortable crossing in such a scenario, even if I do have priority. So as a pedestrian I've found my behaviour is the same as before, be cautious and only cross when safe. If anything I've probably become even more cautious due to not being sure how long drivers are giving way before deciding I'm taking too long and continuing anyway.
I do still personally find myself crossing behind a car if they're waiting to emerge from a side road. Not because I don't trust drivers, but just because it makes me feel safer.
I'm the same, especially if there's nobody behind them.
@@jakerockznoodles Oh yeah sorry of course, forgot to mention that in my comment 😁
I just live in the city so I am a bit more wary of drivers who just zone out.
🤣 you feel safer, because you don't trust the driver!
Couldn't this be dangerous if a car is turning into that round from a main road and cannot see you? Crossing in front would help
Same, I go behind the car and cross. It makes u feel safer, and also the car can drive ahead and you’re not making them wait for you to cross
I remember I line that my old dad gave me long ago that is always in my mind as a pedestrian……..” he was right, dead right, as he strode along, but he’s just as dead as if he were wrong”
as a driver ive been guilty of not letting people cross in Glasgow at several junctions. I only realise after the event. I am trying to remember to do this.
Hi Ashley, good video as usual, thanks. But I have a question. For a non-roundabout junction it seems rule 170 is the main one for motorists - "give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.". That suggests if you are driving straight across a crossroads you don't need to give way to pedestrians because you are not "turning". But then rule 8 for pedestrians says "At a junction. When you are crossing or waiting to cross the road, other traffic should give way." So this means that drivers going straight across a crossroads would need to give you priority. Which is correct? In your video you crossed the crossroads at around 3:14 and talked about drivers coming straight through the junction from the right and how they might choose to give you priority. Which rule would compel them to do that? Even rule H2 specifically mentions "turning" so would not apply to driving straight through. Any clarification much appreciated !
I’m not keen on saying something is common sense, when I was a kid I was taught to wash my hands thoroughly (individual fingers, backs of the hands, palms, but that it should be done in a filled basin (plug in run cold water then add hot to decent temperature) and that was common sense, but now we have learnt through “evidenced learning” that it’s better to wash under continuous running water. I think these videos fit that evidence based learning, clear evidence was presented to show where, in situations that the drivers should have given priority they didn’t, those cars came through the roundabout far too quickly without indicating that they were exiting and it was demonstrated that the safe thing to do was wait. I think that all this channels videos do a similar job, state a problem, show scenarios where the dangers occur then explain how they could be avoided, and usually show a driver (often a pupil) being guided safely through a similar scenario.
0:53 Wow I didn't know that. I always thought that if they were on the red bit, you had to stop and wait. And that's what I've always done.
A useful update thanks That first junction with lights is a terrible mess eg drop kerb goes all around the corner - needs to be updated, preferably with pedestrian lights. That roundabout was dangerous too - drivers oblivious to you.
Hello to Ashley the Pedestrian! Great video, even if it's you just going for some walks!
Roundabout at the bottom of my road is a real pain for pedestrians. The heavier the rain the longer you wait. So it sucks during a wet rush hour since it cuts my part of the town off from shops. So i cycle rather than walk as i can join the traffic rather than stand there for 5 mins getting soaked. Rains a lot where iam in south Wales
Similar to 2:25 I have literally had people shout at me because I've not stopped to allow them to cross the road. Misinformed people are going to get injured or worse if the govt don't start putting infomercials out to educate people of the changes.
I'm not sure if it is buried somewhere in your highway code, but in the states, it is pretty normal that if a crossroads has traffic lights and no pedestrian lights, pedestrians may not cross against a red traffic light. it's buried in an obscure corner, and it is rare to see a traffic light without a pedestrian light, but it is there.
Things are a bit different here. Historically all roads here except motorways are foot paths, ie pedestrian rights of way, on which cars may be driven under licence so pedestrians and an absolute right to walk in any direction and on any side but not to obstruct. So the highway code is only 'advice' for pedestrians and not law. Of course in practice most pedestrians prefer keeping their lives rather than exercising their rights.
@@simonavarne9635 here, too, it is leagal to walk any direction on any side but not obstruct. but our jaywalking laws ARE laws for pedestrians. even at that, our law is that if there is not a specific pedestrian light, the traffic lights supercede crosswalk priority.
@@kenbrown2808 Jaywalking is quite legal here and traffic lights are only advisory for pedestrians.
@@simonavarne9635 yeah, that was a little bit of culture shock - of course, here, unless the police want to pull someone for some reason jaywalking is more of a "do it at your own risk" thing than a crime.
I definitely see room for improvement in communications when exiting roundabouts or continuing around. I consider that a point in my argument for indicating whether you think there is anyone who needs to know or not. of course, then you STILL cant trust that a driver won't turn without indicating.
What concerns me most about giving way to a pedestrian just off a roundabout, is the vehicle behind me not expecting me to slow or stop to give way, near me drivers always seem to try and take on roundabouts as quick as they can.
That's because everyone is scared of roundabouts to varying extents; if I'm on a roundabout, everyone is looking at me. Therefore they want to exit ASAP or just because they're genuinely in a hurry
Just focus on not hitting the pedestrian and leave the car behind you to worry about not hitting you. If you hit the pedestrian it's your fault, if the car behind hits you it's their fault.
I have definitely had a couple slow peds about, but a hand signal normally rectifies that.
Hi Ashley, have I been following the new rules incorrectly? I thought pedestrians only had right of way when cars were joining a new road. For example at 3:18, were you saying ANY car coming from the right should give priority? Or just those you are turning left out of the junction. The way i have followed the new rules, are that at 3:18 if i was already on the main road coming from the right, i would not give way, however if i was turning left onto a new road, then any pedestrians waiting to cross will have right of way, hope this makes sense? Thanks
Have to give way to them everywhere rules as written.
Even with zebra crossings I always make it clear I want to cross and ensure all other road users have stopped before crossing as at the end of the day (as a pedestrian) you will be the one in hospital if someone doesn't stop. This is regardless of if they should have stopped you have to spend months recovering and they may get a fine or lose their licence but that doesn't compare really.
you are spot on with that comment i was allways told by driving instructor to give way to those bigger than me
interesting, you say priority is given not taken. Could it be considered/interpreted that at 6:32 you were giving priority as you were not making a move to cross but hanging back? At 3:26 would you expect traffic coming from behind your right shoulder to give way if their lights were green?
Forgive my possible misinterpretation, but I was under the impression that the new highway code updates [170] for giving way to waiting Pedestrians, (as you re-enacted in the video) was meant for Junctions and not exits to Roundabouts (unless a Zebra/Pedestrian Crossing is fitted).
While they're technically junctions, they're also not, due to their design in the flow of traffic, and the backup caused if waiting whilst on the Roundabout itself, versus a stretch of road where typical junctions exist.
***'187
In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to
pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads'***
Is the only excerpt I could see regarding Roundabouts and Pedestrians, and it doesn't stipulate anything about giving way to Pedestrians waiting to cross, like the Junctions section does.
Simply to watch out for, and should any Pedestrians be crossing, to give them ample room to safely do so (naturally).
This is a genuine question, and not some 'high horse' position, before anyone gets their knickers in a twist.
I simply want to ensure that my road etiquette and common sense is coupled with the correct information.
Here in the US you MUST yield to all pedestrians at marked or unmarked crossings. Quite a few in my area have a button the pedestrian presses to alert drivers someone is crossing, it also activates a numberplate camera and tickets those who dont stop. I really don't understand why this is such a difficult task for some people to grasp
As a pedestrian and a driver I've seen some changes though often misunderstood by either party - I've had drivers now allowing me to cross on a straight road rather than a junction - which is fine apart from when I wave them on as there is nothing behind them anyway so I'd rather cross behind. As a driver, sometimes it's hard to spot pedestrians at junctions waiting to cross or not necessarily showing their intent - it will take a lot of time to re-frame the general public's current ways whether right or wrong!
As a motorcyclist, (both moped for work and manual motorbike for commute and SD&P) when turning left, I've found that I've had to physically stop in the middle of the road to stop cars from the right hand side of the road from going to a minor road in order to let the pedestrian cross. I've found that this can put myself in danger as if I sit at the side of the road as you do at 0:30 in the video then cars will cross in front of me from my right. As much as I wish to stop for pedestrians I have to be very careful about who is around me.
Once, around 8AM, I have had to move my motorbike in front of a car wishing to move into a minor road while a woman with a pram whished to cross in order to prevent the car from passing, I feel that it is appalling how people choose to cross the path of a motorbike and a woman with a pram but at the end of the day I have to get home safely and as such sometimes I choose to cross the pedestrian's right of way as I do not have the time or confidence to make 100% sure that my surroundings are clear before stopping.
However, any advice on this topic would be appreciated from anyone as I am still on L plates (cbt with therory passed and practical booked) and I'm still learning daily
Last week I was stuck facing traffic, in the oncoming lane, on my motorcycle, after a pedestrian walked up to the junction & started to cross after I'd already started my right turn. Luckily the oncoming cars realised my predicament & stopped. However I could have been hit by a distracted driver.
At 3:30 when crossing the second half of that road - it doesn't matter that the lights have changed, I would still look always left. The number of people flying through lights that have only just changed to red is high, and it's shown on this channel all the time. No amount of compensation, medical treatment, or arguing over who should've had priority is going to restore the degree of mobility you had before being knocked down.
I personally feel this is a good move and will make it safer. Even on our school walk there are blind corners (because of cars + busy road) people looking for opportunity and running across as soon as there is a gap. So dangerous as some driver don't slow as think have right of way. No matter how vigilant you are there is always a risk someone turn with late signal. Think adults need to start in safe way make cars stop or people will never change. Even now because of this rule so much more careful when using junctions.
In the netherlands I can't really think of any roundabout that doesnt have zebra crossing if it doesnt have traffic light control. Then again we are enforced to only give way to pedestrians (when we are participating in road traffic (think driving a car/riding a bycicle or leading a horse by the reigns)) when we have to either A: cross a zebra crossing or B: cross over pedestrian roads. Most situations in the netherlands are decently straight forward in that regard.
This is something Brittain might improve upon a little. Clarify to road users when pedestrians are supposed to be given way to through markings on the road.
Hi, Great videos. Please could you explain how parallel crossings and home zones work? I've never seen them when driving. Thanks.
i just have my own mindset of "i will cross when its safe" sometimes its a bit of that "im taking priority" attitude from the drivers perspective as i do sometimes literally just cross at a crossing while a car is coming (but granted they are at such a distance where i can make it at normal walking speed, and sometimes i even prefer not to press the buttons to cross as it just disrupts traffic flow and i am usually only stopping one car, i can jut wait for them to go and its clear, maybe one day ill get myself killed but so far i havent had any near misses, infact i even had a situation where i crossed straight after someone else pressed the button (because this particular crossing always goes green man in 1-2 seconds and in every case doesnt let any of the oncoming cars through) and actually if i had waited i would've been hit by a red light jumper
As a pedestrian I'm fine waiting for gaps as i have been for decades. As a driver that situation at 0:25 is just preposterous, i am simply not stopping in a main road with traffic behind me to wait for someone to acknowledge my pause and then them to cross. Nope. Confusion and accidents will inevitably happen. A rule change that simple did not need changing.
I don’t agree with the rules myself but they have to be followed. Being hit from behind is usually the fault of the car behind and was long before the recent changes to the Highway Code. If you get hit from behind, you have not usually caused the accident irrespective of whether you’re giving way to a pedestrian.
@@dwayne_dibley As far as i'm aware you would not be punished if you do not stop for a pedestrian in that situation but only if a collision occurs if they have stepped out. To me that is how it was before. It is a nonsense change and i would rather have someone wait by a kerb for an extra 3 seconds than risk anyone pile into the back of my vehicle by me halting in the middle of a main road. And as a pedestrian i would prefer to cross by a crossing or wait for an open gap. That is what i'll follow and i suspect millions of others will.
On crossings I generally wait for the cars to stop, didn't know I could force the issue and now it's changed,
I'll still wait for someone to stop.
Another factor here is folk like me who are visually impaired pedestrians. Quite often I cant see a car stopping to give me priority until its pretty much next to me. This can cause frustration with car drivers some of who say “didnt you see ne flash my lights? But personally I prefer it and feel safer when cars dont stop and I choose my own path
Interesting video. But I was of the understanding that at traffic lights it's different because vehicles must comply with traffic signals.
This was in a dvsa dispatch discussion, answered by dvsa spokesman, annoyingly, can't remember which blog.
As a driver I'm trying hard to comply with the new rules but I admit I don't always remember as the old way is so entrenched after 30 years driving.
In addition, there are times when my assessment of a situation leads me to do it the old way anyway, because the old way is so established, to do it differently can, on occasion, be far more risky.
The highway code uses 'should' for drivers to give way to pedestrians waiting at T junctions. As far as I read, the section on roundabouts only says that drivers should take extra care around pedestrians, the wording does not seem to be the same as the wording for T junctions. When I cross at roundabouts I take the same care as you did. Particularly where a single lane road opens to two lanes at the entrance to the roundabout.
@tony w T junctions & crossroads I agree with, roundabouts I do not, there is too much going on at roundabouts with some drivers not even knowing the give way to the right rules let alone give way to pedestrians to the left at the same time, with multi lane exits off a roundabout it is a recipe for serious incidents. The wording is also ambiguous and leaves it open to everyone's own interpretation whatever that may be. Very poor information and lack of publicity from Gov & DVSA
3:50 - Pretty sure that when a pedestrian is at a junction controlled by traffic lights the changes don’t apply anyway as traffic will follow the direction of the lights.
On the whole "pedestrian confused at been given priority" question, it's been a mixed bag of people not understanding what i'm doing to people just walking across the road like they own the place. At a rough estimate, i'd say 40-50% of pedestrians i engage have smoothly understood what's going on and caused minimal flow to traffic, so i guess there's room to grow.
What I've found is that drivers are _less_ willing to allow me to cross at junctions (and I'm thinking more of 'ordinary' junctions without islands, pelican or zebra crossings)! It's almost as if a lot of drivers have taken umbrage at pedestrians being given priority and are not afraid to show it.
Most of them are probably unaware of the changes anyway
TBH, I've had issues trying to get used to this change, missed a couple of times I should have waited. Had a few where they've waited for me to go across. Also had it happen to me, me waiting to cross a junction. I turn around to check, and like an owl, I watch this car slow for the turn and keep going... clearly stood at the junction, clearly looking to safely cross. As said, its not gonna be an easy change, though, it doesn't look like its gonna change at all at the moment
I enjoyed a couple of pedestrians who walked out in front of me at a traffic light controlled zebra crossing. It was on a green for traffic to continue and they just walked out with their hands palming at me, shouting for the traffic to stop.
Good luck with the next car that doesn't stop.
Some pedestrian crossing points are set deep within the junctions; so just how far into the junction do the new HWC changes apply?
3:30 was an interesting road to cross there is no pedestrian light phase here but unusually the road markings seem to include two rows of studs. A classic marking requirement for a pedestrian crossing. 8:20 Is a staggered pedestrian crossing generally these are use in busy urban areas with large numbers of pedestrians which can be accommodated on the elongated island with two independents pedestrian crossings. They are also installed in places that do not have large numbers of pedestrians but have experienced cyclists who speed across in a straight line. The staggered design prevents this.
There are some situations where I personally think it's more dangerous to stop rather than continuing cautiously. But I personally haven't been in an awkward position since the rule change.
All of the roundabouts around me have two entrance lanes and are clearly designed for high speeds, despite seeing little traffic and being in 30 zones. If these could be redesigned to be single lanes and with other features to force drivers to slow down, it wouldn’t affect the traffic flow at all, but would really help pedestrians and cyclists.
Last week I was driving down Redcliffe Gardens in West London and wanted to turn left onto Fawcett Street but a lady was crossing so I stopped… and got rear ended. Happy days.
I've had a front facing camera for years, but now is the time for an additional rear camera.
A pre-veiwing comment: I was actually going to ask you if making a video from a pedestrians' perpective might be worthwhile...and here it is! After all, you've also made videos from a cyclists perspective and of course lorry driver. I will take a look at your video now Ash. Seems great minds think alike!
I live near Kingston upon Hull and several roundabouts there have a zebra crossing just off the exits
Your experience same as mine. Both parties will need to begin to understand the changes Roundabouts are a nightmare. I will happily stop on approach to let pedestrians cross, but in my experience stopping as you exit is still a lottery. If there are two lanes approaching exiting any pedestrian would be wary.
Last week I had to turn left into a sideroad and there was a pedestrian with a pram waiting to cross. I stopped my turn, but with cars waiting to turn out she wasn't prepared to cross with a pram between waiting cars so I had to continue my manouver.
I think pedestrians want to get across the whole road, not just half way. Hence you should give way on both entrance and exit.