Highway Code celebrates 80 years on the road

15 April 2011

One of Britain's best selling and most iconic publications - the Highway Code - is 80 years-old today.

The first edition was published on 14 April 1931 in a bid to cut down on the number of accidents taking place on Britain's roads. Despite the fact there were just 2.3 million motor vehicles at the time, over 7,000 people were killed in road accidents that year.

The Highway Code quickly became the 'must read' publication for those using the road and is now recognised the world over. The Code is now used by millions of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians every year and has even been featured in TV drama storylines.

The Highway Code has moved with the times and is now available in a variety of formats,including online from the Directgov website, as a download and on CD ROM with a voice-over for people with reading difficulties.