The fine for parking a vehicle on a footpath, cycle lane or bus lane is to double to €80 from next month.
The Department of Transport said the increased fixed charge penalty rate would come into force on February 1st. The fines apply on all public roads and will be enforced by gardaí and local authority traffic wardens, it said.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said the increased penalty aimed to encourage road users to be more considerate and to promote active travel.
“Parking on footpaths puts vulnerable pedestrians, such as wheelchair users and those pushing buggies, at significant risk by forcing them off the footpath and into traffic,” he said, adding that parking in bus and cycle lanes endangered cyclists.
“These increases should help improve the safety of all vulnerable road and footpath users by creating a more effective deterrent to these specific forms of illegal parking.”
Conn Donovan, chair of the Cork Cycling Campaign, said the increased fine was a “baby step” in the right direction and that a campaign to catch people who parked on footpaths, cycle lanes and bus lanes was required.
“If a car is parked in a cycle lane for two hours that is a hazard for cyclists who have to swerve out into traffic. It should be removed.”
John Fulham, the Irish Wheelchair Association’s public engagement manager and a paralympian, said he hoped the move would lead to behavioural change.
“The key will be enforcement. If people know they will be fined €80, they will not park on footpaths.”
He said the use of tow trucks to remove illegally parked cars should be considered. “There is an impact on people when their car is towed, but they have very scant consideration for other people if they park on footpaths.”
Mr Fulham said many people are affected by illegal parking and an attitude shift was required. “It’s not solely about traffic wardens and gardaí enforcing the laws. People need to consider others.”