Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what analysis his Department has undertaken on the potential impact of the changes to the Highway Code on single track road users in rural communities regarding (a) the 2m passing distance when overtaking pedestrians walking in the road, (b) the 1.5m road distance when passing cyclists whilst driving under 30mph and (c) giving 2m distance when passing horses or horse drawn vehicles at speeds under 10mph.

The changes introduced to The Highway Code on 29 January are an extension to the previous advice and guidance. They are not expected to pose any major challenges as they simply reinforce the good behaviours that we would expect every road user to adhere to. Rule 163 around safe passing distances and speed limits when overtaking reinforces the Hierarchy of Road Users and the emphasis that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to other road users.