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Why can't drivers obey the basic commands of the original Highway Code?
The very first sentence of the very first Highway Code of 1930 reads - "Always be careful and considerate towards others." The paragraph goes on "As a responsible citizen you have a duty to the community not to endanger or impede others in their lawful use of the King's Highway." Nowadays it would take half a page of the Telegraph to explain old fashioned words like "careful", "duty", "considerate" and "community" which is great pity because that simple paragraph sums up all that is needed to ensure that roads are safe and users are free to use them at speeds appropriate to circumstances. Let's stop box ticking and get back to basics.
Asked on 15 February 2011 by RJ, Chipping Campden
Answered by
Honest John
Absolutely. If drivers simply did this and used their common sense there would be no need for most of the rest of the Highway Code. One reason for its omission from the current Highway Code is that there are a lot of people who earn their livelihoods from writing, interpreting and enforcing complicated dogma. The Brits don’t seem able to trust themselves to use their common sense.
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