POLITICIANS will debate whether to introduce a "strict liability" law which would make motorists automatically at fault in collisions with cyclists.
More than 5000 people have signed a petition calling for the change and Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has secured cross-party support for a debate on the issue at Holyrood tomorrow.
The law is already widely enforced on continental Europe and campaigners claim it offers protection for vulnerable road users. Apart from the UK, only Cyprus, Malta, Romania and Ireland do not operate a system of strict liability for road users.
Ms Johnstone, co-convener of Holyrood's group on cycling, said: "The number of fatalities and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists on Scotland's roads is unacceptably high. Versions of a strict liability rule exist in the civil law of many European countries and it could make a difference here as part of a package of measures. It is heartening to see MSPs from all parties agreeing that it deserves debate.
"To date the Scottish Government has dismissed the suggestion of looking at the idea; hopefully Tuesday's debate will persuade ministers to think again."
The number of cyclists killed or injured on roads in 2009 was 901, up 9% on 2012.
Stricter liability laws mean that in the event of a larger, faster moving vehicle colliding with a cyclist or pedestrian, the driver should be presumed liable but if the injured party is under 14, over 70 or disabled, then the driver should be deemed fully liable.
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