The Department for Transport (DfT) is launching a nationwide campaign in 2026 to raise awareness of significant changes made to the Highway Code in 2022, which prioritize the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders through a new Hierarchy of Road Users. These changes require motorists to give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at junctions, with penalties for non-compliance including fines up to £2,500 and penalty points. Despite these rules, many drivers remain unaware or non-compliant, putting vulnerable road users at risk, as highlighted by a recent RAC poll showing only 23% of drivers always give priority to pedestrians at junctions.

The DfT’s new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade, aims to further improve road safety by lowering drink-driving limits, enhancing young driver training, and introducing mandatory eye tests for older drivers. The government plans to support a Lifelong Learning approach to road safety education, publishing national guidance and manuals to embed these changes more effectively. With pedestrian fatalities rising, the campaign and ongoing education efforts seek to reduce road injuries and fatalities by ensuring all road users understand and follow the updated rules.