Open petition: Make Highway Code Rule 223 mandatory for buses, coaches and trams

Created by Richard Donovan
Closes on 8 April 2027

We want the Government to change the law to make Highway Code Rule 223 mandatory, requiring motorists to give priority to buses, coaches and trams when it is safe to do so, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, to improve the safety of passengers and other road users.

Some motorists accelerate past buses, coaches or trams instead of giving priority, sometimes entering the path of oncoming traffic and forcing others to brake suddenly. Bus passengers may be standing or without seat belts, so sudden braking can cause serious or potentially fatal injuries. A bus may carry dozens of people. Making Rule 223 mandatory could discourage dangerous manoeuvres, protect passengers and other road users, and improve public transport safety and reliability.

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