Pedestrians Crossing Side Roads

[OHFun]

There was a question about pedestrians crossing side roads. Rule 170 says that vehicles turning into a sideroad should give way to pedestrians crossing it. What about vehicles coming up to the junction from the sideroad? Does the pedestrian who is crossing have priority? If so, where does it say so in the Highway Code?

[Buenchico]

>>>What about vehicles coming up to the junction from the sideroad? Does the pedestrian who is crossing have priority?

The simple answer to your question is 'No'. Only turning traffic is expected to give way to pedestrians.

[DaisyNonna]

We know our place.

[jno]

pedestrians are expected to see approaching traffic in the street they're on; but it's much harder to predict turning traffic from another street

[Arrods]

I've always thought pedestrians have a right of way in all circumstances when on any road. If a pedestrian does something that gives a driver no chance in avoiding an accident, then it just means that the courts are unlikely to deem the driver liable.

[bhg481]

In the latest Highway Code I can find no reference to giving way to pedestrians when turning (Rule 170 now applies to zebra crossings). Rule 163 just advises you to look out for pedestrians when turning off a roundabout.

[OHFun]

Hi Bhg, according to the gov website rule 170 doesn't mention roundabouts.
https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/road-junctions-170-to-183

The Highway Code doesn't specifically give pedestrians priority, all is says is

"The rules in The Highway Code do not give you the right of way in any circumstance, but they advise you when you should give way to others. Always give way if it can help to avoid an incident."

https://www.gov.uk/general-rules-all-drivers-riders-103-to-158

Rules 171 and 172 may apply to pedestrians too, if pedestrians also qualify as "traffic".

Hmm...

[bhg481]

I've just checked the date on my Highway Code and it's 1999. I always buy a new edition when it comes out, so I was believing that it was up-to-date. I didn't realise there was an online version - I'm happy to be corrected.
I've just looked again in my printed copy (following your link) and realised that the section I had been looking at was under "turning" in the index. Looking up "Road Junctions" the instructions are "Look out for pedestrians croosing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority".

[bhg481]

I couldn't believe it was so long since I bought my Highway code, so I checked in the bookcase and I also have the 2007 edition (I must throw the old one away!). Section numbers now agree with yours.

[OHFun]

As far as I can find out, the car on a side road has priority, while the pedestrian has priority of cars turning into the side road. Not that I agree with that, but anyway.

[Fudiot]

I always understood the rule was when entering another road, that you give way to any existing user... be it a person or another vehicle!

[Baby_Sham]

My favorite, as a pedestrian, is pressing the buzzer to cross the road and then going before it hits green, thus causing the cars to have to stop.... :P