Only 16% of Londoners know the basic road rules
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a new campaign, which will include posters around the capital’s transport network, to raise awareness of the Highway Code with a particular focus on the rules designed to protect people walking, cycling, and motorcycling.
This comes after a London-based survey by TfL found that only 16% of respondents showed a correct understanding of all five rules, which aim to protect the most at-risk road users
The group said that it is determined to tackle this, as people walking, cycling, and motorcycling continue to be most at risk of death and serious injury on London’s roads. Of all people killed or seriously injured in 2024, 81% (2,988 people) were walking, cycling, or motorcycling.
The new campaign, which is supported by the Department for Transport, will appear on roadside posters across London, social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), and online video. It will raise awareness and highlight five key rules in the Highway Code, which protect at-risk road users and look to address areas where research shows there is poor compliance and understanding of the rules. The rules spotlighted by the new campaign are:
- You must stop for people on zebra crossings;
- Always let people cross before you turn;
- Always let cyclists pass before you turn;
- Always stop for people at zebra crossings on cycle tracks;
- Cyclists must always stop at red lights.
“Making London’s roads safer for everyone is a key priority for the Mayor and this important campaign, supported by the Government, is part of the work we’re doing to ensure people are aware of the rules of the road,” said Will Norman (London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner).
“Through the Mayor’s Vision Zero Strategy, we are doing everything we can to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from our roads and investing record amounts in green transport options and initiatives for Londoners across our city as we build a better and safer London for all,” he said.
