News
8 changes to The Highway Code you need to know
From today, road users need to be aware of the new rules that have been introduced to The Highway Code.
The change is intended to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
It follows a public consultation of the review of The Highway Code which ran from July to October 2020.
Of the 20,000 responses, the majority were in favour of the changes.
1. The hierarchy of road users is now based on who is the most vulnerable, therefore those who can cause the most harm are considered to have the most responsibility. It is hoped this will reduce the risk of danger on the roads.
2. Pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross have priority over drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists turning into or exiting a road.
3. Updated information has been provided for spaces shared by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. It is asked that cyclists and horse riders are respectful of people walking, although pedestrians still need to be observant and take care.
Cyclists are also advised to slow down when overtaking the other users, letting people know they are approaching but also remembering that people may have deaf, blind or partially sighted. In addition to this, they should not overtake on the left-hand side of the horse.
4. The Highway Code now confirms the advice that cyclists should move into the centre of their lane when travelling on quiet roads, slow traffic and when nearing junctions to allow other users to see them, moving to the left if a vehicle needs to pass.
In fast-moving traffic, cyclists should also keep at least 0.5 metres away from the kerb.
5. If they are passing a cyclist, drivers and motorcyclists must leave a minimum of 1.5 metres when travelling at speeds of up to 30mph, with more space being left at higher speeds.
For speeds under 10mph road users must leave at least 2 metres of space when overtaking horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles.
At least 2 metres of space and a low speed must be kept when passing a pedestrian.
5. It has been clarified that pedestrians crossing or about to cross have priority over cyclists entering or exiting a side road.
6. The update confirms cyclists have priority on roundabouts. Drivers and motorcyclists are warned not to overtake cyclists within their lane and allow them to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout.
Further guidance is offered in The Highway Code for drivers and motorcyclists entering a roundabout that they don’t cut across cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles, as they must travel across a roundabout in the left-hand lane.
7. What is known as the ‘Dutch Reach’ has been introduced to The Highway Code. To encourage drivers and passengers to check behind their shoulder, it is advised that both drivers and passengers should open the door using their hand opposite to the door.
A campaign will be launched mid-February to raise awareness of the changes.
Sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal revealed the country’s latest sporting ambitions in an interview with Sky News – with the sovereign wealth fund already owning Newcastle and now funding a breakaway golf series.
Sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal revealed the country’s latest sporting ambitions in an interview with Sky News – with the sovereign wealth fund already owning Newcastle and now funding a breakaway golf series.
It follows the Manchester United board announcing that they are open to a sale of the club.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisalstated he would be keen on Ronaldo signing for a Saudi Pro League after the World Cup, with the 37-year-old a free agent following a controversial interview and exit to Manchester United earlier this week..
“Who wouldn’t want him to play in their league?” “He’s a role model to a lot of young players – him and Messi.”
Sky news are reporting – It is the availability of United – after the Glazers announced plans for a potential sale – and Ronaldo that is interesting Prince Abdulaziz.
What are your thoughts on this – join the conversation on our Facebook page.
A popular charity concert will not be held in 2023 due to the cost of living crisis.
Sunday for Sammy, which is held in memory of North East actor Sammy Johnson, is a biennial event aimed at benefitting young performers.
The long-running event has featured the likes of Joe McElderry, Johnny Vegas, Brenda Blethyn, Denise Welch, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and Mark Knopfler, Jill Halfpenny and Ant and Dec.
Tim Healy, who hosts Sunday for Sammy, said: “We’ve had lots of enquiries over the recent months asking when the next Sunday for Sammy will take place.
“We are very much aware at the moment that people are struggling with day-to-day living costs and are watching their pennies. Everything is becoming more and more expensive and that includes the cost of putting on a show the size of ours.”
He added: “We can’t in good conscious put on a show that we aren’t sure people can afford to be tickets for. It would be wrong to risk your money you have generously given us.
“So sadly we have decided that there won’t be a show in 2023. We’re going to wait until the time is right.”
Often dubbed The Geordie Command Performance, the shows, which have been running for more than 20 years, are held in memory of Geordie actor Sammy Johnson, who died in 1999.
The owners of STACK have confirmed that there won’t be a pop-up version in Newcastle this Christmas, as plans have been shelved.
At the end of September it was reported that STACK’s owner, Danieli Group, were hoping to bring the brand back to the heart of Newcastle after its Pilgrim Street site was demolished earlier this year, after becoming a firm favourite with locals and visitors since 2018. The pop-up, close to the Crowne Plaza hotel in the Stephenson Quarter, looked set to be a massive draw before STACK makes its permanent return to the city next year, was planned to feature a number of shipping container bars, a new take on its famous Hadrian’s Tipi, street food vans, a stage and large screen, all on one level.
But, it has now been announced that the proposed STACK festive pop-up won’t be happening anymore. Confirming the decision, Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group said that while it was sad news that the pop-up would no longer take place, it meant the company can forge ahead with the Worswick Chambers plan.
He commented: “We know how much people miss not having a STACK in Newcastle so we are concentrating our efforts on creating what will become a flagship site back where STACK first began,” he said.
“Work is well underway on the scheme with a view to being open in winter 2023.”
In recent weeks it has announced new developments in Lincoln, Durham, Bishop Auckland and Carlisle.
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