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DSA announces Highway Code changes

The Driving Standards Agency has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to The Highway Code .

The consultation will take place between February and May 2006, with a view to publishing the revised Code during spring 2007.

Included in the changes are proposals to provide road safety advice for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and a section giving advice to newly qualified drivers

Road Safety Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman said: "The revision of The Highway Code updates road safety advice for modern driving and riding conditions. The Code sells an average of one million copies a year, making it one of the biggest non-fiction best sellers in the UK. It is essential reading for everyone who uses the roads.

"When the Code was launched in 1931 there were just 2.3 million vehicles on the roads and today there are over 30 million. The consultation will take into account the views of a wide range of stakeholders and others with an interest in road safety."

A wide range of road safety experts and groups representing road users is being consulted.

A copy of the consultation document can be found at www.dsa.gov.uk/highwaycode . Anyone wishing to make comments and suggestions can do so via the website or in writing to The Publications Department, DSA, The Training Centre, Harrow den Lane, Cardington, Bedford MK44 3ST.