The Labour government has signalled a potential shake-up of the Highway Code, with ministers admitting that "more work is needed" to ensure road safety improvements are fully embedded across the United Kingdom. This comes after significant updates were introduced in 2022, which aimed to provide greater protection for pedestrians and cyclists on Britain's roads.
Parliamentary Questions Prompt Safety Review
During a recent session in the House of Commons, Labour MP Danny Beales questioned whether the Transport Secretary had properly assessed the benefits of launching a new public awareness campaign regarding the updated Highway Code rules. This parliamentary exchange has brought renewed attention to road safety policies under the current administration.
In her response, Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood stated unequivocally: "Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users." She emphasised the government's commitment to creating safer roads through comprehensive strategy and ongoing evaluation.
New Road Safety Strategy Unveiled
The minister revealed that on January 7, 2026, the government published its new Road Safety Strategy, which outlines a clear vision for enhanced safety measures across the nation's transport network. This document serves as the foundation for future policy developments and regulatory adjustments.
Ms Greenwood acknowledged that while progress has been made, further efforts are required to ensure all road users understand and adhere to the updated regulations. She confirmed: "More work is needed to continue embedding these changes and overall awareness of the Highway Code. We are considering options in this area, and further details will be shared in due course."
Lifelong Learning Approach to Road Safety
As part of Labour's broader road safety agenda, the government is developing a new "lifelong learning" framework for road safety education. This innovative approach aims to provide continuous education for drivers and other road users throughout their lives, regardless of age or experience level.
The Nottingham representative explained the rationale behind this initiative: "As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety." This reflects a growing recognition that road safety education cannot be limited to initial driver training but must adapt to changing conditions and technologies.
Legal Experts Highlight Implementation Challenges
Lara O'Donnell, head of personal injury at CEL Solicitors, commented on the ongoing challenges with Highway Code implementation following the minister's update. She noted that the 2022 revisions were part of a wider effort to improve public safety and prioritise vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
However, O'Donnell highlighted a significant concern: "Despite the change being nearly three years old, many road users fail to follow this rule, which can increase the risk of accidents at junctions where pedestrians presume priority but motorists don't stop." This observation underscores the gap between policy implementation and practical compliance on Britain's roads.
The government's acknowledgment that more work is needed suggests that additional measures, possibly including enhanced enforcement, public awareness campaigns, or further regulatory adjustments, may be forthcoming as part of their commitment to reducing road casualties and creating safer transport infrastructure for all users.
