More action has been called for on vehicles passing too lose to cyclists while overtaking.

Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats are bringing forward a motion calling for a wider roll-out of Operation Close Pass, a pioneering initiative introduced by West Midlands Police to educate drivers on safe overtaking distances of cyclists.

The cross-party motion is being proposed by Cllr Iain Dobie, Leckhampton and Warden Hill, who has called for the chief constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary to roll the operation Close Pass out wider across the county to educate more drivers about safe driving around cyclists.

Operation Close Pass led to a 20 per cent reduction in casualties in the West Midlands in its first year and the force was recently recognised for its work by Cycling UK.

In a survey carried out by Cycling UK, 56 per cent of respondents said they were worried by close passes by vehicles while cycling.

Cllr. Iain Dobie said: “Gloucestershire is fortunate enough to have some outstanding cycling routes throughout the county, which are used by those cycling to school, to commute and for sport, however cycling in Gloucestershire can also be dangerous, with cars often overtaking too close and increasing the chances of a collision.

“Swapping cars for bikes gives people so many benefits, from fitness to improved air quality, however close passing vehicles are putting people off, undermining the good work being undertaken at county and district level to encourage cycling.

“We recognise the diligent work of our police force and the steps they have already taken to educate drivers, running a trial of Operation Close Pass last July in Cheltenham, however we believe that they can do more to protect the county’s cyclists and are asking them to roll this valuable programme out much further across Gloucestershire.”

Gloucestershire Police have been contacted for a comment.