Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government plans to (a) bring forward legislative proposals and (b) amend the Charging Standard to (i) further protect cyclists and (ii) introduce stricter penalties for accidents involving cyclists where the driver is at fault.

The Department has no immediate plans to make legislative changes in relation to penalties for accidents involving cyclists where the driver is at fault.

There are already a number of measures in place to deal with road traffic offences including using mobile phones when driving, careless and dangerous driving and drink and drug driving. The Government will continue to keep offences and penalties under review to ensure the police and courts are able to deal with driving offences appropriately and proportionately.

Charging is a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service, and this Department cannot comment on this aspect.

The Department is concerned about the safety of cyclists. A Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS) Safety Review Call for Evidence was published early last year and the Department received many responses. These included different ideas for improving the safety, and perceptions of safety, of cyclists and pedestrians, and different ways of educating motorists and improving empathy. A summary of responses was published on 18 October 2018 and the final Government response on 22 November 2018. Further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/governments-response-to-the-cycling-walking-investment-strategy-safety-review.