Insurance premiums would soar if a proposal to blame car drivers for any accidents involving cyclists is adopted, experts warn.
A change in civil law has been suggested by Cycling England, an agency funded by the Department for Transport, that could make the more powerful vehicle in an accident automatically liable for insurance and compensation.
As part of a number of ideas to encourage drivers to ditch their cars in favour of bicycles, Phillip Darnton, chief executive of Cycling England, said the “legal onus” should be placed on motorists.
However, the Association for British Insurers has warned this could cause a hike in insurance premiums across the board.
“A significant increase in claims would mean higher premiums,” said a spokesman. The AA agrees. “Insurance premiums would go up without a shadow of a doubt,” said Paul Watters, its head of public affairs.
