LAST UPDATE | 1 Feb 2022

FROM TODAY, THERE are new fines in place for drivers who park on footpaths, cycle lanes or bus lanes. 

The new fixed-charge penalties will increase fines from €40 to €80.

The new regulation was signed by Minister for Transport and the Environment Eamon Ryan who said that the fines would “encourage a more considerate use of road space”.

“Parking on footpaths puts vulnerable pedestrians, such as wheelchair users and those pushing buggies, at significant risk by forcing them off the footpath and into traffic,” he said.

“Parking in bus and cycle lanes endangers cyclists and undermines State investment in sustainable public transport infrastructure.”

Dublin City Council has welcomed the increased fines. Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland said parking on the footpath disproportionately affects people with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users or those who are visually challenged, as well as people with buggies.

“For them it is not easy to step on to the road to get past a car blocking their way. It’s hugely important for us to keep our footpaths clear so that everyone can access the city freely,” she said.

Director of traffic for Dublin City Council Brendan O’Brien said: “Increasing the number of people choosing sustainable transport modes is a priority for Dublin City Council – in terms of our Climate Action commitments and in increasing the health and wellbeing of people living in, working in and visiting our city.”

“More people walking and cycling and using public transport is good for everybody. We need to do everything we can to enable and support people to choose these modes – this means making the space safe and accessible,” he added.

Pat Nestor, Access Officer for Dublin City Council said the increased fines “mark another step towards making Dublin an accessible city for all”.

Parking in bus lanes is prohibited under Statutory Instrument 182 of the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997, and parking in cycle lanes is prohibited under Statutory Instrument 274 of 1998.

In February 2019, Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy said that these laws were being violated “frequently” and that this caused a “significant inconvenience” for bus drivers and cyclists.

Troy said that parked cars in bus lanes result in bus drivers and cyclists having to “swerve unexpectedly” to avoid them which creates a “considerable challenge” and posed a safety risk to other road users.

“Ireland’s cycling infrastructure is wholly inadequate as it is without it being rendered unusable by the presence of parked cars, skips and multiple other items being put in the way. These are widespread issues.