Malta’s Highway Code Hasn’t Been Updated In 20 Years With UK Prioritising Cyclists In New Version
Malta’s highway code hasn’t been updated in over 20 years and is at serious risk of falling severely out of date.
The Highway Code, which is based upon the UK’s, is a document containing essential information for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists.
Still, while the UK has recently updated its to prioritise cyclists, Malta’s is yet to reflect modern realities.
Since 2001, the number of vehicles on Malta’s roads has more than doubled, climbing up from roughly 200,000 at the start of the millennium to just under 420,000 by June 2022.
And while the number of people using alternative modes of transport, like cycling, remain low. The issues surrounding infrastructure are preventing many from making the switch.
What changes have been made to the UK’s highway code?
The new highway code for the UK was approved earlier this year, which introduced a new feature that prioritises more vulnerable road users, known as the hierarchy of road users.
The recently updated hierarchy of road users stipulates that cyclists and pedestrians are more protected than ever, with drivers expected to always give way to them.
Cyclists are now also asked to make themselves as visible as possible by riding in the centre of lanes on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions.
Similarly, cyclists should not overtake people walking in shared spaces closely or at high speeds, while pedestrians should not obstruct paths.
The UK has now shifted its focus to protect cyclists and pedestrians as much as possible – and Malta should be moving in a similar direction if we want to enforce the idea of shifting away from private car usage.
It’s high time that an updated version of the highway code is created so that safety and adaptability are maintained.
Do you think Malta needs to follow suit with some changes?
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