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Does the pedestrian right of way at junctions apply to roundabouts too?
I know that the new Highway Code regulations give priority to pedestrians at a ‘road junction’ but I’d like clarification of this ruling when entering and leaving a roundabout. Do the entries and exits count as ‘junctions’?
When joining a roundabout it is pretty easy to give way to a pedestrian but when leaving a roundabout at the appropriate exit it can be tricky to stop ‘on’ the roundabout to give way to a pedestrian waiting to cross the exit road.
Does anyone have chapter and verse on this please?
When joining a roundabout it is pretty easy to give way to a pedestrian but when leaving a roundabout at the appropriate exit it can be tricky to stop ‘on’ the roundabout to give way to a pedestrian waiting to cross the exit road.
Does anyone have chapter and verse on this please?
Asked on 27 December 2023 by chrispy46
Answered by
David Ross
The Highway Code gives separate rules for junctions and roundabouts, so there is a distinction between the two in this respect. Section 170 of the Highway Code states 'You should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way (see Rule H2)'. Rule H2 states 'Wait for the pedestrian to cross the junction before turning. this applies if you are turning right or left into the junction.'
In Section 187 on roundabouts, it states 'In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads.'
The use of the term 'should' rather than 'must' in respect of giving way means some room for interpretation depending on the situation. Ultimately pedestrians are more vulnerable road users than motorised vehicles and therefore should be given priority, but it is a matter of choosing the safest approach taking into account all road users.
In Section 187 on roundabouts, it states 'In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads.'
The use of the term 'should' rather than 'must' in respect of giving way means some room for interpretation depending on the situation. Ultimately pedestrians are more vulnerable road users than motorised vehicles and therefore should be given priority, but it is a matter of choosing the safest approach taking into account all road users.
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