The most important of them are to keep a safe distance when overtaking or going around cyclists and pedestrians, it will be forbidden to leave cars on roads with more intensive traffic, and new road signs will also be included.
How to get around cyclists
“We want to make our roads safer and we want more clarity for drivers. A requirement for a safe lateral distance is established, which will allow better protection of the most vulnerable road users – cyclists and pedestrians. Some changes were long overdue, such as the lingering problem of parking in no-parking areas. We believe that the new requirements will contribute to a safer, smoother and more responsible traffic environment”, says Deputy Minister of Transport Julius Skačkauskas.
The lateral turning distance when going around or overtaking cyclists, drivers of motorized bicycles and electric micro-mobility vehicles and pedestrians becomes mandatory from a recommendation. When driving at a speed of no more than 50 km/h, it will be mandatory to leave a side distance of at least 1 meter, and faster – at least 1.5 m.
The requirements for leaving cars and their trailers are also tightened. Their stopping and parking will be prohibited on roads with two or more traffic lanes in one direction, where the speed is higher than 50 km/h, except in designated areas.
New road signs
Changes to KET also include new road signs. The sign “Low pollution zone” will mark the city territory determined by the municipal council, where the traffic of all motor vehicles, except non-polluting vehicles, is restricted or completely prohibited.
In order to more clearly inform road users, the rules define which violations are recorded by stationary meters marked with “Automatic traffic control” signs.
The new type of road sign with a photo camera will mark the meters that record violations of the established speed rules, while the old type of sign will not record the speed, but other violations of the rules.
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#December #road #traffic #rules #road #signs #Business
**Interview with Deputy Minister of Transport Julius Skačkauskas on New Road Safety Regulations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Deputy Minister Skačkauskas. The new regulations regarding safe distances around cyclists and pedestrians have sparked a lot of interest. Can you tell us what prompted these changes?
**Deputy Minister Skačkauskas:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Our primary goal is to enhance road safety for all users. With the increasing number of cyclists, pedestrians, and those using electric micro-mobility vehicles, it became clear that stronger measures were necessary to protect the most vulnerable road users. We believe that establishing mandatory lateral distance requirements when overtaking these individuals is a significant step forward.
**Interviewer:** That’s an important development. How will drivers know what these new requirements are?
**Deputy Minister Skačkauskas:** We will be introducing new road signs to clarify the regulations. These signs will serve as a visual reminder for drivers to maintain safe distances when passing cyclists and pedestrians. Our hope is that with clear guidelines, drivers will be more aware and conscious of their surroundings.
**Interviewer:** There’s also mention of prohibiting parking on roads with more intensive traffic. Can you explain this policy further?
**Deputy Minister Skačkauskas:** Yes, this has been a longstanding issue. Allowing vehicles to park in areas with high traffic can create hazards, reducing the space available for safe cycling and walking. By enforcing no-parking zones, we aim to reduce congestion and enhance overall traffic flow, which should benefit both drivers and vulnerable road users.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the lateral distance requirement has shifted from a recommendation to a mandatory rule. What impact do you expect this will have?
**Deputy Minister Skačkauskas:** We anticipate that mandating safe lateral distances will significantly reduce accidents and injuries among cyclists and pedestrians. When drivers are required to adhere to a set distance, it cultivates a sense of responsibility and awareness on the road. Ultimately, we hope this leads to a smoother and more responsible traffic environment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Deputy Minister. We look forward to seeing the positive changes these regulations will bring to our roads.
**Deputy Minister Skačkauskas:** Thank you for having me. We are committed to making our roads safer for everyone, and I appreciate the platform to share these updates.
