I can just see a motorist waiting to go around a corner while a pedestrian makes up their mind wether to cross or not. What I want to know is if they change their minds not to cross a road will they be find for causing an obstruction to traffic.
Does this also mean a pedestrian can now just step into a road without looking first.
What crackpot dreamed up this to justify their job
exactly my feelings. I’m now wondering if I have the same condition. It says on the NHS site that it can resolve? I have such a problem with my shoulders and arms. I’m meant to be having a blood test for inflammation of the muscles etc thanks for reminding me! This all started after mild covid.
RS, no one is worried about the pedestrian side of this, they are chomping at the bit to bash a cyclist.
Nobody actually knows what is what in this new version of the code because there have been a mishmash of communications sent out by local authorities and newspapers misleading people on several counts. Then you have other people explaining that interpretations based on recent communication are inaccurate as you just have. So there were countless headlines saying that if you didn’t use “dutch reach” to open the car door you’d be fined £2k. Then someone on social media said no that’s only if you injure a cyclist by using the “wrong” door opening method.
It’s a shambles, probably to distract from birthday partygate…
Probaby in your neck of the uncivilised woods but not where I live . 
Lanes for bikes would at least put a little distance from cars I suppose, but then they do away with the safety lanes on motorways for motorists!
Crazy people making these laws - and probably getting well paid for it too.
Ridiculous poorly thought-out ideas.
Time will tell, and I’m sure the eventual outcome will reflect those changes made with smart motorways.
Well, I’m back on this Thread again, and here’s something I meant to Post when it started, but got forgotten among the other comments
Suppose you’re driving along and want to turn into a side street on the right
So you move over to the right of your lane and wait for a gap in the oncoming traffic
Ah but!
Besides waiting for a gap in the oncoming traffic you must now wait for a gap in any pedestrians before you can turn into the side road/street
So what you need to do is to cross two lanes of traffic; one of cars and one of pedestrians
And while you’re waiting for that, a queue has probably built up behind you.
Still, eventually you set off, but if a pedestrian or two decide to cross after you’ve turned, you must do an emergency stop, and if you’re lucky that will be in time not to hit them
However, that now leaves you stopped sideways on to the oncoming traffic…Oh what fun!
I saw a report on GB News but can’t recall the reference, sorry, where they said that the consultation was with the cycling lobby, pedestrian organisations, but no motorists organisations, and that these changes have the Lefty - Greens all over them
Pedestrians and cyclists need to unite, as the new petrol free world approaches. 
Will try and PM you AnnieS.
So, how are they going to police it? You hardly ever see a police officer patrolling the streets and l haven’t seen many police cars driving about.
Does this mean they take the word of the pedestrian, cyclist or rely on CTV cameras?
Will insurers put up their premiums to cover the probable accidents, shunts etc?
I think there must have been thousands of changes to the highway code since I last read it Arty, and it makes no difference to me because I won’t be reading it anytime soon anyway, I’ll carry on just trying to avoid other vehicles, and anything else that might damage my motor or my no claims bonus…
Interesting!
Holding up traffic for long periods like this is sure to make the ‘green lobby’ think twice. Millions of cars and HGVs in the same situation all over the country continuing to churn out their exhaust fumes.
Carrie Johnson and her chums are not going to be happy!
I’ve said it before, but just as the ‘smart motorway’ bright idea is now being reconsidered, I have a distinct feeling that this ‘cyclists’ benefit’ idea will also not be long-lived!
Art you can just imagine punch ups in the street filmed by camera laden cyclists. I suggest that everyone invests in dash cams. Can anyone suggest a good easy to set up model (front and back?)
This is exactly my vision of the hell that has been unleashed on motorists. Uncertainty, gridlock, confusion, stress, filmed footage and insurance hikes. What a shambles.
As pedestrians I suppose we will be expected to wear body cams to film cyclists and escooters when they go into us on shared pathways. Beam me up!
No, it’s the law apparently wendeey. 
Definitely. I think that most models are pretty easy to set up and I believe that Halfords sell them an offer to install them as part of the deal.
I agree that the cocky and self-centred cyclists feel that if they have a camera on the top of their heads they will be immune to any disagreement. Motorists should feel the same way, as those cyclists who feel that they own the roads probably cause more accidents than anyone else.
They may not be insured and they may not be identifiable, but if they are responsible for causing an accident the ability to prove it can protect the innocent motorist and, hopefully, his NCD.
Flowerpower from your link:
The new section under rule 239 will now read: "Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side.
"This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder.
“You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motor cyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement.”
If you injure someone by opening your door you can be punished by a fine of up to £1,000 but no penalty points can be added to the offender’s licence.
emphasised text
emphasised text
Note the word ‘should’. So that means you don’t have to, but if you injure somebody you will be fined. But I thought that had always been the case anyway.
Isn’t it normal to look behind you before exiting your car on a road ?
