Cars and lorries ‘automatically be at fault for accidents with cyclists’ due to sweeping changes

Car and lorry drivers will automatically face the blame for accidents with cyclists due to sweeping changes planned for the Highway Code, campaigners have claimed.

The Government is rewriting the official guide to give cyclists more protection on the road.

However, motoring groups are worried about the ‘hierarchy of users’ guideline which says pedestrians and cyclists will have the right of way and that those in cars, vans and lorries will bear greater responsibility to keep them safe.

Car and lorry drivers will automatically face blame for accidents with cyclists due to sweeping changes planned for the Highway Code, campaigners have claimed (stock image used)

Critics believe it means drivers will face the blame even if a cyclist was really at fault – and that the amendments may push up motor insurance premiums.

The proposed change states: ‘Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the responsibility to care and reduce the danger posed to others. This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles.’

Another change would grant cyclists the right of way to ‘undertake’ vehicles, even if the driver is already indicating to turn left.

The new code is set to say: ‘You [the vehicle driver] should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if necessary.’ 

The Road Haulage Association, which represents 7,200 truck companies, has written to the Department for Transport raising concerns about the changes, which are due to be published next year.

Its letter says: ‘The ‘hierarchy’ lessens the responsibility of some road users and increases liability and responsibility of others.

Critics believe it means drivers will face the blame even if a cyclist was really at fault – and that the amendments may push up motor insurance premiums (stock image used)

‘The proposal seems to make some road users partially responsible for the behaviour of other road users based solely on the size of vehicle or device used on the roads. This is inappropriate.’

However, Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, said: ‘The Highway Code clarifies the position of all road users.

‘The ‘hierarchy’ does not say people have no responsibility for their own safety, or of others. 

‘It simply indicates that if you have a vehicle that can cause more harm, you have a greater responsibility.’