My way or the highway
According to the Automobile Association, over 60% of British drivers are unaware of changes to the Highway Code that were introduced earlier this year. The changes give greater road priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Since the Highway Code is guidance for road users, it won't afford greater priority to pedestrians on the pavement, by preventing cyclists and e-bikers from speeding on walkways. This seems to be the greatest hazard that I've encountered as a pedestrian during my current visit to the land of nanny-knows-best. But ne'ermind, sod reality, eh kids?
Leaving aside whether the changes are practical in all circumstances—they're not—it does seem that at least some of them abrogate pedestrians and cyclists from responsibility for their own safety, something that many of them appear to be oblivious of. And, at the same time, rob us of a time-honoured method for culling the stupids from society. Frankly, anyone who doesn't exercise the road-crossing safety guidelines that we were all taught as kiddy-winks, richly deserve to be removed from the gene pool. It's natural selection in action. (pipe)
Furthermore, there are recommendations in the Highway Code that were there years' ago, when I learned to drive, that are simply not enforced already. Seemingly trivial things, like indicating to turn or change lanes; observing keep clear
markings; and not parking at intersections. The arse-scratchers who substitute for the traditional British constabulary cannot be bothered to deal with any infringements that don't involve the use of a speed trap, because that would involve actual physical work. Accordingly, these transgressions go unpunished.
Adding more won't do anything other than make a few hand-wringers feel better about themselves.