A TOTAL OF 574 cyclists received fines last year for cycling through red traffic lights, according to figures from An Garda Síochána. 

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews, who requested the figures via a parliamentary question from TD Cormac Devlin, said the number of fines show a “real lack of enforcement”.

If a cyclist receives a fixed charge notice, they have 28 days from the date of the issue to pay the fine, or the charge will double. If it is not paid within 56 days, then court proceedings are initiated and payment will no longer be accepted.

The figures provided by An Garda Síochána show that the most common fine received by cyclists in Dublin last year was for cycling through red lights.

256 cyclists were also fined for not having front or rear lamps on their bikes during lighting-up hours, while another 142 were fined for cycling without reasonable consideration.

116 fines were also given to cyclists entering, stopping or parking in a tram lane or tram only street, and 46 for those proceeding onto a pedestrianised street or area.

Andrews said: “Given the thousands of traffic light crossings in the Dublin region, and how common it is to see cyclists running red lights, that An Garda Síochána only fine one or two people a day reveals a real lack of enforcement.” 

“Those of us who are passionate supporters of cycling must be not only call for more investment and better infrastructure but also for better enforcement,” he added.

An Garda Síochána said it “does not comment on third party remarks”.

“All roads users including cyclists have a responsibility to use the roads safely and within the laws of the land. An Garda Síochána will continue to enforce red light running and work with partners on this as part of the National Safety Camera Strategy,” it told The Journal.

The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment.