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| MSPs debate 'stricter liability' law proposed by cycle campaigners | MSPs debate 'stricter liability' law proposed by cycle campaigners |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| The issue of compensation for cyclists and other vulnerable road users involved in accidents is to be debated at Holyrood later. | The issue of compensation for cyclists and other vulnerable road users involved in accidents is to be debated at Holyrood later. |
| Campaigners want new legislation which would make motorists automatically at fault in civil actions in Scotland. | Campaigners want new legislation which would make motorists automatically at fault in civil actions in Scotland. |
| They say they have already received cross-party support for a Bill to be brought forward. | They say they have already received cross-party support for a Bill to be brought forward. |
| The UK is one of only five European countries that do not currently have the law, known as "stricter liability". | The UK is one of only five European countries that do not currently have the law, known as "stricter liability". |
| Nine cyclists died on Scotland's roads last year, with a further 167 injured. | Nine cyclists died on Scotland's roads last year, with a further 167 injured. |
| Campaigners said those involved in collisions with cars can wait up to nine months to receive compensation - even in straightforward cases. | Campaigners said those involved in collisions with cars can wait up to nine months to receive compensation - even in straightforward cases. |
| In serious or fatal accidents, it can take more than two years before the case is concluded. | In serious or fatal accidents, it can take more than two years before the case is concluded. |
| Online signatures | Online signatures |
| Earlier this year, a group called Cycle Law Scotland launched its campaign to introduce "stricter liability" in such cases. | Earlier this year, a group called Cycle Law Scotland launched its campaign to introduce "stricter liability" in such cases. |
| Under these arrangements, a motorist would be presumed liable in a legal claim against them if they had been in collision with a cyclist or pedestrian. | Under these arrangements, a motorist would be presumed liable in a legal claim against them if they had been in collision with a cyclist or pedestrian. |
| It would still be open to the driver to allege the cyclist had caused the accident. | It would still be open to the driver to allege the cyclist had caused the accident. |
| Scottish Cycling, the governing body for cycling in Scotland which has 12,000 members and 150 clubs, has now joined the campaign. | Scottish Cycling, the governing body for cycling in Scotland which has 12,000 members and 150 clubs, has now joined the campaign. |
| More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition for a Members Bill to be brought forward at the Scottish Parliament. | More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition for a Members Bill to be brought forward at the Scottish Parliament. |
| MSPs will discuss the issue of stricter liability during a members debate later. | MSPs will discuss the issue of stricter liability during a members debate later. |
| Cycle Law Scotland founder Brenda Mitchell said: "I am delighted to be able to demonstrate the growing support for stricter liability on the same day as MSPs prepare to debate our proposals in Holyrood. | Cycle Law Scotland founder Brenda Mitchell said: "I am delighted to be able to demonstrate the growing support for stricter liability on the same day as MSPs prepare to debate our proposals in Holyrood. |
| "Receiving the support of Scottish Cycling is a huge boost to our campaign as it's members represent a significant portion of the cycling community. | "Receiving the support of Scottish Cycling is a huge boost to our campaign as it's members represent a significant portion of the cycling community. |
| "I welcome its backing and hope this will help encourage the Scottish government to take a serious look at what we are proposing." | "I welcome its backing and hope this will help encourage the Scottish government to take a serious look at what we are proposing." |
| She said that although the latest figures showed road deaths had reduced, the number of cyclists injured was rising. | She said that although the latest figures showed road deaths had reduced, the number of cyclists injured was rising. |
| She added: "By introducing stricter liability laws as part of package of measures and in line with our European neighbours, there's a strong possibility we will eventually see this worrying trend reverse." | She added: "By introducing stricter liability laws as part of package of measures and in line with our European neighbours, there's a strong possibility we will eventually see this worrying trend reverse." |
| Package of measures | |
| Craig Burn, chief executive at Scottish Cycling, said: "Scottish Cycling is happy to back the campaign for stricter liability as part of a package of measures needed to improve road safety for all. | Craig Burn, chief executive at Scottish Cycling, said: "Scottish Cycling is happy to back the campaign for stricter liability as part of a package of measures needed to improve road safety for all. |
| "It is our goal to promote and encourage the sport of cycling at all levels and we recognise safety plays a big part in successfully encouraging more people to take to two wheels." | "It is our goal to promote and encourage the sport of cycling at all levels and we recognise safety plays a big part in successfully encouraging more people to take to two wheels." |
| Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian and 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." |