Only five motorists have been fined for driving in cycle lanes over the last four years in the Republic of Ireland, new figures issued by the Department of Justice reveal.
The rate of enforcement - just over one driver each year being caught and fined - is so low despite the fact the vast majority of cycle lanes in the Republic are not segregated from other traffic and are routinely driven into.
The Green Party TD the who has raised the issue, and secured the data from the Department of Justice, has strongly criticised the shockingly low enforcement rates.
Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD raised the issue with Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD (FG) and the response he received to his questions confirms five motorists were fine for driving in cycle lanes in the four-year period from the start of 2020 to the end of last year.
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Ó Cathasaigh told The Irish Times such a low enforcement rate proved the issue of driving in cycle lanes simply was not a priority for the Garda, and this was undermining efforts to create a safer roads environment for cyclists.
“We need to do a hell of a lot better if we’re to create a genuinely safe environment for cyclists, particularly in our urban centres,” he said.
“Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users and their protected spaces need to be respected if we’re serious about creating an inclusive and inviting infrastructure for them to use.”
Anyone caught driving in a cycle lane should be penalised under the fixed charge notice (FCN) system and fined €60. If that fine is not paid, they should incur a penalty point on their licence.
