On-the-spot fines for cyclists are set to be introduced to Ireland this year. Fines of around €50 being handed down to cyclists who break red lights, cycle the wrong way on roads or mount footpaths.
According to The Irish Independent, The Department of Transport has confirmed that the heads of the Bill providing for such cycling offences will be published in the coming weeks, following a consultation period between department officials and An Garda Siochana.
It is expected powers will be extended to gardai to hand down fines to cyclists who commit certain offences, with the number of offences expected to rise over time. The fine must be paid within 56 days, or the cyclist will be ordered to appear in court. Garda sources with knowledge of the process say the expectation is that further cycling offences will be legislated for in the future.
These include the introduction of sanctions for driving without lights, or not wearing appropriate safety gear that identifies a cyclist in the dark. The same garda sources said that while officers have been involved in a crackdown on dangerous behaviour by cyclists in recent months, the introduction of on-the-spot fines will bring rules for cyclists in line with those for motorists.
It’s expected that the penalties will be introduced after March – a full 12 months later than originally planned.
