Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
269 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the circumstances in which it is an offence for motorists to use cycle lanes; if this is an offence which is included in the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26459/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory basis for the use of cycle tracks is set out in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998. The regulations provide for two types of cycle tracks. The first is delineated by the provision of a full white line. Mechanically propelled vehicles may not be driven along or across such a cycle track except for the purpose of accessing or egressing a place adjacent to the track. That restriction does not apply in respect of a cycle track that is delineated by a broken white line.
The offence of breaching restrictions on driving a vehicle on a cycle track is scheduled in the Road Traffic Act 2002 to be rolled out as a penalty point offence. A driver who commits this offence will incur three penalty points on conviction in court and one penalty point on payment of a fixed charge in lieu of going to court. The aforementioned 1997 and 1998 regulations also prohibit parking in a cycle track. That offence will not attract penalty points as is the case in respect of all parking offences with the exception of the offence of parking a vehicle in a dangerous position.
