Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his Department's planned timetable is for the commencement of consultations on amending the Highway Code to take account of (a) improvements in technology and new forms of transport, (b) smart motorways, (c) the use of mobile phones, (d) pavement parking, (e) e-scooters and (f) rural road safety.

Consultations have already commenced and closed for amendments to the Highway Code for automated vehicles, motorways and high-speed roads, and mobile phones. Of those, Highway Code amendments aiming to improve safety for users of motorways and high-speed roads were laid in parliament on 21 June. Trials on e-scooters are ongoing and the department will analyse the evidence gathered before deciding next steps, so there is no timescale for further consultation. A general consultation on measures to tackle pavement parking closed on 22 November and the Department is considering next steps. The Department currently has no plans to start consultations on amending rural road safety in The Highway Code, although, whilst not specific just to rural roads, amendments to protect vulnerable road users including the close passing of cyclists, pedestrians and horses have already been subject to consultation. A summary of responses, including the next steps, will be published shortly.