To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) for her assessment of the proposed changes of the Highway Code in GB announced on 28 July; (ii) when Northern Ireland’s Highway Code was last reviewed; and (iii) whether she has plans for a substantial review of the Highway Code as has taken place in GB.

The proposed changes to the GB Highway Code announced on 28 July 2020 concern improved road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. The main changes propose introducing an explicit road user hierarchy with the vulnerable road users at the top. These proposals would mean priority for those walking or cycling over those turning into side streets and include;

clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements, to advise that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road;

providing guidance on cyclist priority at junctions to advise drivers to give priority to cyclists at junctions when travelling straight ahead;

establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and horse riders (1.5m space if driving under 30mph, and 2m if driving over 30 mph);

Detail on road priority and riding two abreast which aims to clarify a common source of conflict and confusion.

The proposals are out to consultation which closes on 27 October 2020. If the proposals are supported, a number of legislative changes will be required before they will be included in the Highway Code (GB).

I support the changes proposed that are aimed at improving safety for those walking or cycling. Road safety is a devolved matter and, as the consultation proceeds, I will consider whether similar measures should be introduced in Northern Ireland.

The NI Highway Code is normally reviewed when it is approaching its reprint date. The Northern Ireland version of the Highway Code was last reprinted as the ‘Twentieth impression 2020’ in January 2020. The current estimated reprint date is January 2022.