Coded message

Recent interest in the Highway Code raises the question of the clauses that begin with the words DO NOT, which are only advisory, and can be ignored without penalty, especially parking situations. One other case not referred to is where pedestrians walking along a main road come to a side road. Is the end of this road considered to be an extension of the footway, giving pedestrians right of way?

Asked on 23 August 2011 by HA, via email

Answered by Honest John

Actually, yes it is. Pedestrians have always had the theoretical 'right of way' across a side road joining a main road, unless other restrictions are in place. Rule 8 says pedestrians have priority and drivers “should” give way. Rule 170 states that if pedestrians have started to cross a road into which a driver is turning they have priority “so give way”. But obviously, common sense should always prevail.

Tags: highway code

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