Graham Hurdle, managing director of the fleet risk management firm, said: 'When the Highway Code was first produced to set out the rules of the road. This was so that road users understood what was expected of them.

'However, over the years it has expanded into more of a general purpose advice manual for road users – no longer just sticking to the rules. This leads to an inherent subjectivity, whereas in my view the Highway Code should be a short, clearly-defined statement of fact and not a guidance book in any way.

'After all, in terms of advice we already have the DSA Driving Manual (Driving Skills) and Roadcraft – the police driver’s handbook used by advanced drivers, emergency service drivers etc.

Hurdle also say that there are areas where the Highway Code may cause confusion: 'It states that "If you need to change lane, first use your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance", but how would a driver know if it was necessary to take a sideways glance unless he or she did so?

'This is where subjectivity creeps in and dilutes the important elements of the publication. I feel the Highway Code should return to being a factual reference book about road laws, markings and signs otherwise I can see the level of guidance expanding making it increasingly subjective, which will ultimately lead to a growing lack of acceptance of its credibility within the driver training community.'