News on Ardrossan Connections Proposals

This blog will aim to promote the recent changes to the Highway Code and helping all road and path users to be aware of the changes, ensuring everyone is conscious of other users and keeping each other safe. There is also details about our website closing for comments this week and our new virtual design walk & wheel video!

Following a consultation in 2020, updates have been made to the Highway Code for all different types of road and path users. The changes happened on 29th January 2022. Here, we will explain some of the changes and how some of them link to the proposed designs for Ardrossan Connections.

Hierarchy of Road Users

The introduction to the Highway Code will now include a Hierarchy of Road Users. This ensures that the road users who could do the most harm in a collision have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others. Those who are most likely to be severely injured in the event of a collision are at the top of the hierarchy, in particular children, older adults, and disabled people.

The hierarchy rule does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly and it is important that all road users are considerate of others, understanding their responsibility for others’ safety.

By placing those who are most vulnerable at the top, like people with sight, mobility or hearing impairments, the User Hierarchy reminds everyone of the importance of using public space with consideration and empathy.

Giving way at junctions

When people are waiting to cross or already crossing at a junction, traffic approaching the junction should give way. If people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, people crossing have priority and the traffic should give way. Traffic refers to motor vehicles and cycles.

If people on cycles or horse are travelling straight ahead at a junction, those waiting to turn into or out of a junction should not cut across them. This applies whether there is a cycle lane in place or if the person is travelling on the road.

Within the proposed designs for Ardrossan Connections, there are a number of continuous footways. These are continuous cycle track and footway layouts across side roads that provide a route for cycle users and pedestrians that provides a strong visual indication of pedestrian priority over approaching and turning traffic. You can view the proposals and feedback on these under the 'Crossing the Street' section of the design proposals.

Shared Use Paths

There has also been updates on the rules regarding the routes that pedestrians, horse riders and cycles share which can be found in Ardrossan. This reminds cycles to respect pedestrians and horse riders safety by;. giving the other user plenty of room when passing; being prepared to slow down or stop and to let people know that they are there by ringing a bell or calling out politely. Pedestrians are asked to also take care when using these paths.

Other significant changes

Other important changes to the Highway Code that all road users should be aware of are:

• Safer passing distances and speeds when motor vehicles are overtaking pedestrians, cycles and horse riders

• Using the ‘Dutch Reach’ method when opening a vehicles’ door. This is the act of using the arm closet to centre of vehicle to open the door, meaning that the person opening the door will look over their shoulder and out the window before opening.

• Positioning of cycles in the road, recommending riding in the centre of the lane in certain situations and keeping at least 0.5 metres away from kerb edge; can ride 2 a breast, but to be aware of people driving behind them and allow overtaking when it is safe to do so.

To read more about all of these updates, please visit the update on the government website here.

Our website will be closing for your comments at the end of Friday.

Please share your feedback on the Ardrossan Connections design proposals, some of which we have mentioned above before end of Friday 11th February, please visit the project website here .

The team have been putting together videos to talk through certain aspects of the design proposals. The first of these, ‘Bird’s Eye View of the Concept Design,’ is ready to watch. We will keep you updated when the other two are available!