The Highway Code was updated on 29 January 2022 to reflect a hierarchy of road users, ultimately aiming to improve safety for the most vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians, horse-riders and cyclists. The hierarchy dictates that ‘those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.’

• pedestrians
• cyclists
• horse riders
• motorcyclists
• cars/taxis
• vans/minibuses
• large passenger vehicles/heavy goods vehicles.

However the Department for Transport (DfT) is clear that all road users need to behave responsibly and show due care and consideration for others.

The dangers of distracted driving due to mobile phone use have long been recognised. Despite this, a 2020 survey found that 29% of all UK drivers admitted to making or receiving calls whilst driving.²

In March, rules regarding the use of mobile phones whilst driving were tightened. The revised law clearly states that it’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving a motor vehicle or riding a motorcycle. This also applies while:

• stationary at traffic lights
• queuing in traffic
• supervising a learner driver
• driving a car that turns off the enginer when you stop moving
• holding and using a device that's offline or in flight mode.

The use of hands-free devices (e.g. Bluetooth headsets, built-in sat navs) remains legal as long as drivers do not hold them at any time during usage.

Drivers caught breaking the above conditions road will be fined £200 and receive six points on their licence. Additionally, road users who have gained their licence within two years stand to face a driving ban. There are very limited exceptions where using a mobile phone at the wheel is permitted, such as:

• needing to call 999 or 112 in an emergency where it's unsafe or impractical to stop
• when safely parked
• when making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant
• when using the device to park your vehicle remotely.

Despite the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU) , an EU law regarding speed limiters has also been introduced to the UK. Speed limiters are safety devices fitted to vehicles to prevent them from exceeding pre-set speed limits. Since July 2022, it’s become mandatory that all new cars are fitted with speed limiters or Intelligent Speed Assistance Systems (ISA).

The technology uses sign-reading cameras and digital maps of speed limit data to reduce engine torque and keep the vehicle within the current speed limit. The European Transport Safety Council believes that this could reduce collisions by 30% and deaths by 20%³. Furthermore , fewer collisions could lead to lower motor insurance premiums.

However, having a speed limiter fitted to a vehicle doesn't automatically mean you won't receive a fine if you're caught speeding; the driver remains responsible for adhering to the speed limit.