Book Review by Maggie Woods | The Original Highway Code

The Original Highway Code

“Keeping pace with the
changing times, the
original Highway Code
was first published
in 1931 with updates in
1935, 1946 and 1954 —
and they make
fascinating reading...”

WE ALL LOVE NOSTALGIA. And when you think how far the world of transport has come — from horse-drawn carriages to cars in little over one hundred years — it's quite amazing to see how everything has changed from the early days.

Take, for instance, our roads. Years ago there were no dastardly speed cameras lying in wait and no drink-driving campaigns; no elaborate signs or sophisticated engineering. Less traffic there may have been, but in the 1930s, 40s and 50s you were still expected to follow the Highway Code

The very first Ministry of Transport Highway Code in 1931 was only 24 pages long — a far cry from the 21st Century's massively bloated edition that today's learner drivers are expected to digest! Astound-ingly, although it included advertisements, it had no illustrations of road signs. In 1946, the code was produced in a smaller size due to the post-war shortages, and in 1954 colour was introduced to illustrate the very first traffic lights.

Those in charge of horse-drawn vehicles were reminded how to warn other traffic of their intentions with a whip, and car drivers had to gesticulate with their hand to warn they were turning or slowing down. Today, such frantic movements may well indicate road rage! "Signals by drivers should be given with the arm extended from the side of the vehicle at least as far as the elbow…" But don't try this today — you are likely to break it in the slipstream of a passing Porsche!

When road signs finally put in an appearance in the Highway Code they were usually quite self-explanatory. But would you recognise the gate of an old level-crossing or the sign bearing an apparent Olympic flame that signifies a school?

Cyclists are given advice on how not to wobble on the road and pedes-trians should take note: "Never stand in the road at blind corners
or other places where you may not be seen by approaching drivers or where you may obscure their line of vision." Advice that is even more pertinent today.

A charming and revealing piece of social history, these original High-way Code leaflets are gathered together in a book for the first time and provide a fascinating look at our early motoring habits and the changing face of Britain.

• The Original Highway Code — Reproductions of Highway Code booklets from the Thirties, Forties and Fifties is to be published by Michael O'Mara Books in April (2008) and will be available from all
good bookshops at an RRP of £7.99.

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