Cyclists unhappy with low number of fines

A group representing Irish cyclists has criticised the number of fines issued by gardaí to motorists who parked in cycle lanes — despite a more than twofold increase in the amount of tickets handed down.

The number of penalties issued for the offence was highlighted following the release of figures by the Garda Press Office to the Irish Examiner, and Freedom of Information requests to the nation’s 31 local authorities.

The Garda Press Office said that 365 tickets were issued nationally to vehicles parked on cycle lanes last year, compared to 144 in 2014. Each notice carried with it a €60 fine and one penalty point.