Kill a cyclist GBP500

Meh. It doesn't matter how good driving instructors are, or how tough they make it to pass driving exams. The fact is, plenty of people, as soon as they've passed the exam, will start to forget the "proper" way to drive, and start taking shortcuts in order to save themselves a few seconds.

with respect, i don't agree. if every driver had to learn to a much higher standard, over a much more stringent training program, in which they were repeatedly drilled with the need for absolute safety and respect at all times, it would surely have a postive effect.

this would ideally be combined with much, much higher penalties for causing collisions and or deaths.

it's just a question of sending out the message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated anymore.
when i drive on the motorway, it never fails to stagger and anger me to see just how many people are steaming up the inside lane, doing 100mph. and, if i happen to be in that lane overtaking someone at 70, i will immediately accrue a line of people behind me, dangerously tailgating me and flashing lights until i move.

this is so plainly illegal and in direct contravention of the law, and yet it is regarded as more or less acceptable behaviour. these people should lose their license, without question, for a minimum of 3 months. then the message might start to get across.