A TOP Cheshire-based lawyer has said the new changes to the Highway Code are 'well-intentioned' but 'ill-conceived'.

Nick Freeman, aka Mr Loophole, who lives in Pickmere, was speaking on Talk Radio about the changes, which among other things, give cyclists and pedestrians more rights on the road.

The changes put more responsibility on drivers of large vehicles – such as trucks and vans – to reduce the danger posed to others, and are set to be imposed on January 29.

"They haven't thought them through,” Mr Freeman said.

"The whole point of this is to increase safety

"We're all in favour of that to make our roads safe for all users.

"But safety doesn't always equal priority and what they're doing is prioritising the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

"So we're going to have a situation now where pedestrians can step off the road at a junction and they have priority."

Knutsford Guardian:

Cheshire-based lawyer Nick Freeman, aka Mr Loophole has spoken out against the new rules

The new rules mean pedestrians – with particular emphasis on children, older adults and disabled people – are identified as ‘the most likely to be injured in the event of a collision’.

As a result, the law will place more responsibility on drivers to watch out for cyclists, pedestrians or horse riders.

Mr Freeman added: "I fear it's going to be carnage and that our roads are going to be much more angry and much more dangerous.

“It seems to just lack common sense, as many things do in this day and age.”

“It is important to bear in mind that these changes are not mandatory.

“But of course, if you don’t do it and there’s an accident, you will be prosecuted and there will be evidence collated against you.

“And it’s evidence that carries significant weight, so you need to comply with it.

“Wouldn’t it be more sensible to say to those who are most vulnerable, you actually have to share this responsibility.

“Pedestrians should try and cross roads and designated places, rather than just step out at any junction because you’re the boss and it’s you’re right of way.

“To me, it defies common sense and logic.”