Sinn Féin Councillor, Thérèse Ruane is appealing to motorists to stop parking in cycle lanes as it is putting people's lives at risk. She insists that a bye law must be introduced as a matter of urgency so that penalties, points and fines can be imposed on offending motorists.
The chairperson of Iompar Castlebar said: “This situation is very serious. Motorists are consistently parking on the new cycle lane on Davitt Terrace and the Pontoon Road. This is putting people's safety at risk. I witnessed an incident myself where a ten year old boy had to pull out on the road to pass a car parked on the cycle lane, narrowly missing an accident with a motorist. All road users, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, have a responsibility to act in a responsible and safe way. Parking in cycle lanes is putting people's lives at risk and it must be stopped.
"There is legislation in place and the penalty for parking in a cycle lane is 1 penalty point and a 60 euro fine. On conviction in a court, it's 3 penalty points and a 90 euro fine. I've spoken to Superintendent Willie Keaveney, the Road Safety Officer, and the Town Manager in relation to this issue. A bye law will have to be introduced by Castlebar Town Council to implement these penalties. In the meantime, I am appealing to motorists to refrain from parking in cycle lanes to ensure a safe environment for all"
"I will ensure that this issue is on the agenda for the next meeting of the Town Council. Whatever measures necessary must be put in place as a matter of urgency.”
