Urging all drivers to park responsibly and not to park on footpaths or cycle lanes.

Road Safety Campaign with An Garda Siochana urging all drivers to park responsibly and not to park on footpaths or cycle lanes, as it poses a road safety risk to vulnerable road users and is an offence.

Illegal parking results in blocked footpaths, meaning vulnerable road users such as wheelchair users, the visually impaired, people with buggies, children and older pedestrians do not have adequate room to walk safely, potentially forcing them out onto the road.

Parking in cycle lanes forces cyclists out into mainstream traffic, where there is an increased risk of a collision occurring.

From the 1st February 2022 the penalties for motorists who park on footpaths, cycle tracks and bus lanes is increasing. The fixed charge notice is doubling from €40 to €80 for motorists caught parking on footpaths, cycle tracks and bus lanes.

Motorists are being asked to understand the impact illegal parking can have on other road users and that they have a responsibility to ensure their vehicle is parked safely at all times. Parking in a dangerous position, even if it is only for a short period, is unsafe and illegal.

This is a road safety issue as pedestrians are being put in danger, potentially in the path of cars, buses, or cyclists. I am calling on all drivers to take responsibility for their actions and be more considerate of all road users including the most vulnerable.”

We have launched a  social media campaign to raise awareness of the issue of illegal parking on footpaths and cycle lanes . The campaign is entitled ‘If you don’t move, then neither can we’.