🚦Pedestrian Priority at Junctions: What’s Actually Changed?

It’s now been over three years since the Highway Code introduced guidance giving pedestrians priority when crossing at junctions. But you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s still new or confusing—thanks largely to clickbait headlines, social media outrage, and the usual dose of misinformation.

When I ask new pupils what they’ve heard about this rule, the feedback is nearly always negative.

That negativity doesn’t come from experience.

It comes from opinion.

Why This Rule Was Introduced – And Why It Matters

This isn’t about “taking something away” from drivers. It’s about preventing injuries and saving lives.

Around 30% of all pedestrian casualties occur at or near junctions—often where people are trying to cross the road and drivers are turning in without looking properly or failing to give way.

This rule was introduced to directly combat those collisions, by making it crystal clear:

✅ If someone is crossing, or waiting to cross, you should give way.

✅ It’s not optional courtesy—it’s guidance backed by common sense, and it works.

Let’s be honest—drivers are already slowing down at junctions.

Pedestrians are already scanning for danger.

Everyone is already anticipating potential conflict.

That’s how it works with every other hazard on the road—so why not here?

It’s a win-win situation:

⚖️ Clearer expectations

🚶 Safer for pedestrians

🚗 More predictable for drivers

💥 Less likelihood of conflict

But to get there, we need to challenge one thing…

Entitlement at Junctions – Let’s Talk About It

Some drivers seem genuinely upset about this change—as if their “right of way” has been unfairly taken away.

But here’s the thing: you never had absolute right of way to begin with.

Driving has always been about sharing space and managing risk. Whether it’s:

• Giving way to oncoming traffic

• Letting a cyclist filter

• Stopping for a school crossing patrol

You already do this every day.

If you’ve been treating pedestrians as obstacles to be avoided or pressured, that’s not defensive driving—it’s dangerous. The updated rule simply reinforces the idea that people crossing a road matter just as much as those driving along it.

And if this feels like a challenge to your authority on the road, that’s probably something worth reflecting on.

The Reality in Practice

Since the rule change came in, I’ve been teaching my pupils to follow it. Over hundreds of real-life encounters with pedestrians at junctions, not once has there been a dangerous situation.

No drama.

No rear-end collisions.

No chaos.

Just ordinary, responsible driving.

So what’s actually required? Let’s break it down…

🦓 Think of Junctions Like Zebra Crossings

There are plenty of junctions that already have marked crossings—so treat every junction approach as if one might be there.

• If someone is already crossing, give way.

• If someone is waiting to cross, anticipate and prepare to give way.

• If it’s safe to proceed, carry on.

The core skills?

Awareness, anticipation, and judgement.

No new skills required.

🔍 Use the Same Visual Clues You Always Have

Open or closed junction?

Mirrors, signal, position—done in good time to keep following drivers informed.

This isn’t new.

🚗 Control Your Speed and Plan Ahead

Approach at a speed where you could stop safely if needed. Same as you would when approaching:

• a stale green light

• a tight corner

• or a hidden hazard

Use your judgement. Is it safer to stop or carry on?

No new skills required.

⚖️ Use Your Judgement – It’s a Risk Assessment

You don’t always need to stop just because a pedestrian is nearby. If they pause, wave you on, or clearly aren’t crossing—then proceed with caution.

And no, they don’t need to be completely off the road for it to be safe to move again.

This is basic situational awareness.

No new skills required.

🛑 If You Do Stop, Stay Straight

Especially when turning:

Stop on your current road, with your wheels straight.

Why?

If someone rear-ends you, your car won’t be pushed into the pedestrian or into the junction.

You’re not responsible for another driver’s inattention—but you are responsible for reducing risk.

This has always been part of good driving.

Nothing new here.

❌ Don’t Wave People Across

It’s tempting to “be helpful” and wave a pedestrian across. But it’s not your decision to make.

• Don’t wave

• Don’t flash your lights

• Don’t gesture

Make eye contact where you can. Pause, give them time to choose. If they don’t cross—move off safely.

Just like at a zebra crossing.

No new skills required.

🔄 Always Recheck Before Moving Away

Keep an eye out for late-developing hazards—especially cyclists filtering along your nearside.

You already do this. Or you should.

No new skills required.

🎯 Final Thought: Not Everyone Follows the Rules

Some drivers will honk, shout, tailgate, or throw a tantrum when you follow the Highway Code.

Doesn’t matter.

If you’re doing what’s right—you’re right.

You’re responsible for keeping it safe.

You’re not responsible for someone else’s poor attitude.

👣 One Rule, Zero Drama

The truth is: nothing radical has changed.

The guidance builds on what good drivers already do.

✅ Observe

✅ Anticipate

✅ Judge

✅ React safely

And as always—do it with calmness, clarity, and confidence.