Fine could reach £5,000 should the offence be considered careless driving

Drivers could be handed fines for passing too close to cyclists when overtaking on busy roads.

The Department for Transport is looking into the possibility of enforcing a minimum distance between cars and bicycles for the first time in Britain.

Currently, the Highway Code calls for motorists to give cyclists 'plenty of room', but this could be changed to a distance of a least one metre, as seen in other countries such as Australia.

It is believed that fines for overtaking too close to cyclists could result in maximum fines of £5,000, if the infringement is viewed as careless driving.

The Department for Transport is looking into the possibility of enforcing a minimum distance between cars and bicycles for the first time in Britain

The move comes amid concerns that many cyclists are discouraged from using inner-city roads due to the 'intimidating' driving, according to The Times, despite the introduction of cycle superhighways.

Shocking figures released by the Department for Transport last year revealed that cyclists were 17 times more likely to be killed on the road than those travelling in cars.

The statistics show that for every one billion miles travelled on UK roads, 35 cyclists were killed in collisions compared to just two motorists in 2014.

Transport minister Robert Goodwill confirmed the Department for Transport was reviewing the idea in a written response to a parliamentary question.

He said: 'The introduction of a legally enforceable minimum passing distance between cyclists and other vehicles in South Australia is relatively recent.

'As a result, there is limited information available regarding the impacts both positive and negative following this change in the law.

'As with other changes of this type introduced overseas, we remain interested in the change and are keeping it under review.

'The Highway Code already has a requirement for motorists to give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking.'

A department spokesman said that while the possibility of a minimum passing distance was under review, a change in law is not currently being considered.