They were not "deciding they knew better than the highway code", they were observing the new version (from January 2022) correctly.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/introduction
Rule H2 - Rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse drawn vehicles, horse riders and cyclists
At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.
You
MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing (see
Rule 195).
Pedestrians have priority when on a zebra crossing, on a parallel crossing or at light controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
You should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross a parallel crossing.
Horse riders should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and to pedestrians and cyclists on a parallel crossing.
Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared use cycle tracks and to horse riders on bridleways.
Only pedestrians may use the pavement. Pedestrians include wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
Pedestrians may use any part of the road and use cycle tracks as well as the pavement, unless there are signs prohibiting pedestrians.
View attachment 724225
Rule H2: Wait for the pedestrian to cross the junction before turning. This applies if you are turning right or left into the junction.