The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are 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 impacts on 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.

The need to social distance, in line with public health advice, while out walking and cycling has drawn further attention to this unsafe and illegal driver behaviour.

Motorists 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.

In addition to fixed charges for breaching parking regulations, a driver can also be liable for penalty points. If a driver has parked in a dangerous position, they could incur ‘penalty points’ up to a maximum of (5) on conviction and a ‘fixed charge’ ranging from €80 - €120. Driving in a ‘mandatory’ cycle lane is also an offence which can incur up to a maximum of (3) penalty points on conviction and a ‘fixed charge’ ranging from €60 - €90.

The RSA and the Gardai have launched a new 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’.