Cyclists should be given priority over other road-users in an updated version of the Highway Code to give them more protection, MPs have suggested amid concerns that the justice system is soft on drivers who break the law.

A new report by the all-party parliamentary cycling group (APPCG) found that more than 8,500 drivers have been allowed to stay behind the wheel despite having more than 12 points on their licence, potentially putting bike riders at risk.

Meanwhile, the Government has left the door open to introducing a “universal” rule to give way when turning in order to protect cyclists passing on the inside of vehicles from being cut off.