A push to increase fines on drivers who open their doors in front of cyclists has gained the backing of authorities, however VicRoads has baulked at a proposal to dock offending motorists three demerit points.

Victoria Police and VicRoads last night told a parliamentary committee they supported raising penalties for drivers involved in so-called dooring incidents, and acknowledged more education was needed to make cycling safer.

The committee must decide whether to support a legal change proposed by Greens MP Greg Barber that would have raised the maximum penalty imposed on drivers who endanger cyclists from $366 to $1,220. Mr Barber also wants offending drivers docked three demerit points.

Under current laws, drivers can be fined $122 - less than if a cyclist is caught not wearing a helmet - if they create a road hazard, while a court can impose a maximum of $366. Drivers cannot be docked demerit points.

VicRoads' road user safety director James Holgate said the organisation backed doubling on-the-spot fines and giving courts discretionary powers to impose much stiffer penalties.