The Garda and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) County Council have begun a crackdown on drivers parking illegally and anti socially, including on cycle lanes.
In June, some 2,400 parking tickets were issued by the
council’s traffic wardens and now they, along with gardai in south Co Dublin,
are planning to increase enforcement further.
The blitz, which has just begun, comes at a time when DLR
has been making significant changes in its catchment area to cater for
pedestrians and cyclists in response to transport changes and the need for
social distancing because of Covid19.
Some of the villages in the area have been re-shaped to
create more spaces for cyclists and pedestrians as well as outdoor dining
areas, while toning down the presence of vehicles.
A coastal greenway (video just below) has also been commenced and though that construction work only began just over two weeks ago, the 3.6km route – from Newtown Ave to the Forty Foot – is almost complete.
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Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said it was “renewing
its focus on public awareness of bad parking practices and enforcement on
illegal parking, particularly on footpaths and cycle lanes… as well dangerous
overtaking of cyclists”.
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The council is also considering additional measures to
limit illegal parking including double yellow lines, bollards and examining the
feasibility of making some of the roads one-way only.
Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Cllr Una Power said illegal parking was a significant issue across the county, especially during the summer months.
“This has negative impacts for accessibility to and enjoyment of our amazing local amenities,” she said.
“But blocking footpaths, lane ways and access point is not only anti-social, it’s also potentially dangerous and can cause issues for emergency services,” she added.
A significant quantity of the parking tickets issue already have related to parking on cycling lanes and on footpaths.
The council added motorists needed to be considerate of cyclists and "not overtake or attempt to overtake where they might endanger or cause inconvenience to a cyclist".
Garda Chief Supt Matthew Nyland, of Dún Laoghaire Garda station, said: “We are urging members of the public to be considerate of all road users.
“This means staying within the speed limit, being considerate of cyclists, and following the minimum passing distances as set out by the Road Safety Authority.
“An Gardaí Síochána is happy to be working with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to facilitate safer roads for all.”
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