Enforcement of cyclists has increased but Garda slower to act against drivers parking in cycle lanes.
There was a large increase last year in the number of fines imposed on cyclists under the fixed charge notice system.
News of the increased Garda activity against cyclists comes as the force's targeting of drivers parking in cycle lanes has been slower.
The latest figures show there has been an increase in the number of cyclists caught cycling in pedestrianised areas; from six in 2016 to 337 last year.
A total of 1,429 cyclists were sanctioned with fines last year, for a variety of offences. That compares to 631 last year and 588 in 2016.
The 2017 total of just over 1,400 sanctions included the following:
- 620 fines for breaking red lights.
- 215 fines related to cycling without reasonable consideration.
- 250 for cycling without a front or rear light.
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The fining of cyclists under the motoring fixed charge notice infrastructure was begun two three years ago; 2016 the system’s first full year in operation.
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Unlike motorists, cyclists do not get penalty points because no licence to cycle is required in the Republic.
Under the system, notice of a cyclist's fine is sent out in the postal service. If the initial €40 fine remains unpaid it can eventually go to court where fines of up to €2,000 can be imposed.
That the figures increased last year is perhaps not surprising given the system was still relatively new and that more gardai were being hired.
Meanwhile, it has emerged Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has written to senior Garda management to urge more action against drivers parking in cycle lanes.
In recent weeks Mr Flanagan said a number of times he had repeatedly seen vehicles parked in cycle lanes.
There seemed to be a lax enforcement by the gardai and he wanted to see than change, he said.
And it has now emerged Mr Flanagan has contacted those officers at the top of the Garda and urged them to act.
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