The President is calling on every citizen to double-check that they're not blocking a footpath with items like cars, bicycles or rubbish bags.
It comes on 'Make Way Day,' a campaign to highlight the obstacles that can affect someone with reduced mobility.
The RSA and Garda Síochána’s digital and social media campaign, which is running all this week in support of ‘Make Way Day’, calls on all motorists to understand the impact illegal parking can have on other road users. The message to drivers is ‘If You Don’t Move, We Can’t’.
Organisers want everyone to post photos of blockages on social media with the hashtag MakeWayDay21.
Mr Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA said:
“We are delighted to support the Disability Federation of Ireland’s ‘Make Way Day’. We are urging drivers to think of the very real consequences illegal parking can have on vulnerable road users and particularly those with disabilities. If a motorist parks illegally it can often force these road users out into traffic to try and navigate around the obstruction which exposes them to the risk of injury or worse. That’s why we are calling on motorists to park responsibly.”
While most local authorities employ traffic wardens to enforce parking regulations and issue fines, members of An Garda Síochána also have this authority. In addition to fixed charges for breaching parking regulations, a driver can also be liable for penalty points.
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer, Waterford City and County Council said that the Council fully backs the Disability Federation’s Make Way Day campaign:
“Illegal parking adversely affects everyone, but especially wheelchair users, the visually impaired, older people and people with prams and buggies.
“When there is not enough room to pass safely on a footpath, users are forced onto the road, increasing the risk of an accident, while illegal parking in cycle lanes forces cyclists out into mainstream traffic, where there is an increased risk of a collision occurring.”
“Throughout the day Waterford City and County Council will have traffic wardens carrying out enforcement and advising the public to ensure that footpaths and cycle lanes are kept free of obstacles.”
In addition to the local authority traffic wardens, members of An Garda Síochána also have this authority to enforce parking regulation and issue fines. In addition to fixed charges for breaching parking regulations, a driver can also be liable for penalty points.
If a driver has parked in a dangerous position, they could incur ‘penalty points’ up to a maximum of (5) on conviction and a ‘fixed charge’ ranging from €80 - €120. Driving in a ‘mandatory’ cycle lane is also an offence which can incur up to a maximum of (3) penalty points on conviction and a ‘fixed charge’ ranging from €60 - €90.
