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Fines and penalty points will be on the way for drivers who park in and block a cycle lane, if a Fianna Fail proposal is adopted. The party's transport spokesperson, Robert Troy, has said that there should be punishments for drivers who block cycle lanes, and has added that Ireland needs an increase in physically segregated cycle lanes, which are far safer than having bikes mix it with larger road vehicles.
Mr Troy, speaking to TheJournal.ie, pointed out that he had just that morning noticed three delivery vans parked in cycle lanes, and that; "the reason they are doing so is there are no consequences for doing so."
It seems to be something that is catching the eye of government ministers too. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has recently called parking in cycle lanes 'unacceptable' and has said that he has asked the Gardai to ramp up enforcement around cycle lanes.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross has echoed Flanagan's comments, saying: "We have regulation - I believe that it's light touch regulation - and that's why I am in contact with my ministerial colleagues. I'm very keen to ensure Dublin City is a safe place for cyclists. Unfortunately, I cannot say that at the moment."
Fianna Fail wants to go further than just handing out tickets, though. The party has called for all future transport investment and projects to include full cycling integration, the appointment of specific cycling officers to local authorities, more cycle storage facilities at public transport hubs, and a reduction on the rate of VAT charged for bicycle repairs.
Fianna Fail's Robert Troy has also called for the extension of the Bike To Work scheme so that people can use to to upgrade their bikes every three years instead of every five, as is currently the case under the existing legislation.