DRIVERS will face a $400 fine and four demerit points if they fail to leave a one metre gap when overtaking cyclists, under new State regulations.

WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts will today announce that minimum passing rules would be introduced from November 30.

The State Government has modified part of the Road Traffic Code to make it illegal to leave less than a one metre space while overtaking a cyclist at less than 60km/h and 1.5m at more than 60km/h.

Part of Labor’s election promise, the changes will bring WA into line with NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.

“Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users and these new rules are designed to provide greater protection and hopefully reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths,” Mrs Roberts said. Seven cyclists have been killed on WA roads this year, compared with three deaths last year and eight in 2014.

Westcycle chief executive Matt Fulton said the new regulations, which the lobby group have pushed for more than three years, were a necessary measure to protect cyclists.

“Looking at all the statistics, we are on track to have the worst fatality rate for cyclists in recent history,” he said.

“The road toll for drivers has been gradually decreasing in the last 20 years, but for riders it’s been increasing.

“This will make cycling in WA a safer activity.”

Under the new rule, drivers are allowed to cross centre lane markings on roads, including double-white lines, when it is safe to do so.

The rules are being introduced as a two-year test and the Road Safety Commission will then report to Mrs Roberts.

In response to criticism about the rules being difficult to enforce, a WA Police spokesman said the new regulations removed “any any ambiguity around what is the proper road user behaviour for motor vehicles and cyclists”.

“Along with the deterrence effect of this type of legislation, the associated public awareness campaign will also advance road safety,” he said.

“Where there is clear and legally admissible evidence of a breach of the new laws, police will issue the appropriate sanction.”