The latest version of the highway code is an admirable work of diversity and inclusiveness which at a stroke will end child obesity and alleviate climate change as we started the week discussing.
However, for those who dream of a more gentle age here are some extracts from the original tome:
Do not pull up alongside a constable on point duty in order to ask him a question which other people could answer
"As a responsible citizen you have a duty to the comm
unity not to endanger or impede others in their lawful use of the King's Highway," it said.
The code warned children of the dangers of the road and offered advice on how to avoid them.
"Never take a risk in the hope or expectation that everyone else will do what is necessary to avoid the consequences of your rashness"
There was guidance for dealing with the police: "Do not pull up alongside a constable on point duty in order to ask him a question which other people could answer. His full attention is required for his duties."
Does your head go to the top of that hat?
"Remember that your horn is intended to be used as a warning and an indication, if needed, of your presence on the road," it also stated sternly. "It should not be used as a threat."
Motorcyclists were warned that "sudden noisy acceleration is unnecessary and disturbing".
Pedestrians were urged to "look right and left and satisfy yourself it is safe to cross" before
crossing a road.
Rotate the whip above the head; then incline the whip to the right or left to show the direction in which the turn is to be made
It might seem obvious on today's busy roads, but people were advised: "Do not stand about in the road, especially in groups, at blind corners or other dangerous places."
There was even a section on dogs, in which owners were told: "Keep your dog on a lead when walking along roads where traffic is heavy.
"A dog running loose in traffic is a danger to itself and to everyone else."
Drivers of horse-drawn carriages were told: "Rotate the whip above the head; then incline the whip to the right or left to show the direction in which the turn is to be made."
Today's Highway Code costs £2.50 but in 1931 it would have set you back just one old penny.
Use your horn with consideration
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