The majority of UK motorists believe that there will be more conflict on the nation’s roads as a result of the introduction of a hierarchy of road users in the updated Highway Code.

Nearly two-thirds (59%) of the 1,000 motorists surveyed by IAM RoadSmart said they believe that the new system will create more conflict on the roads

The new risk-based hierarchy is the biggest change to the new Highway Code launched at the end of January, and states that road users who possess the potential to do the greatest harm will have the most responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others.

The hierarchy applies across the road user spectrum, including pedestrians, but relates most strongly to drivers of HGVs, vans, buses, cars and motorcycles, as they typically cause the most damage in the event of a collision.

But nearly two-thirds (59%) of the 1,000 motorists surveyed by IAM RoadSmart said they believe that the new system will create more conflict on the roads, rather than making them safer.

In fact, only 6% of motorists thought the new implementation would reduce conflict, while 13% believed it would have no impact at all.

Under the new policy, pedestrians now have priority at junctions, meaning that vehicles turning in or out of them should give way. Over half of those surveyed (54%) believe this new rule will cause more conflict, whereas only 15% thought it would reduce incidents on the roads.

It’s a particularly pertinent issue for fleets – many of the rules are legal requirements and can carry fines and points if not obeyed. And while responsibility sits with each road user to know how the new rules affect them, and how they should act in the safest way, the onus is also on businesses to make sure that their drivers are aware of the changes and adhering to them.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “The changes to the Highway Code are a reminder to all road users to behave responsibly with a mutual respect for each other’s safety. The hierarchy offers clarity as to where priority should be given in various scenarios, so it is important for all road users to understand how the changes will affect them and others in real situations on the road.”

IAM also called on the Department for Transport (DfT) to play its part in ensuring the messaging is made clear – including through an upcoming information campaign – as it warned that few drivers actually read the Highway Code itself.

Greig added: “We would urge the DfT to be more realistic about the impact that simply changing a seldom-read document will have on the behaviour and safety of road users, and instead, roll out more intensive and timely campaigns to build awareness and confidence in the new code.”