9.16 Enforcement of Road Traffic Laws
The offenses listed should also include: (1) Motorists speeding - speeding in residential zones and 30/50kmph zones is particularly dangerous for other road users and creates a hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists; (2) Motorists failing to observe a safe distance when passing cyclists; (3) Bicycle theft
"Cyclists travelling on footpaths or pedestrianised streets" should be removed. This typically occurs where there is no cycling infrastructure and/or roads are unsafe and is incomparable with the other offenses listed in terms of severity, threat posed, and frequency of occurrence. Also, in many countries, children under the age of 12 are allowed to cycle on footpaths.
9.14 Equality and Inclusivity Programme: I would like to see infrastructure that supports equality and inclusivity, e.g. disability bike parking, safe, segregated cycling.
9.15 Equality and Impact Assessment: Socio-economic status should be included too. For many people, private cars are not affordable, as both obtaining a driving licence and a car is costly as is the annual running cost. Reallocation of road space to walking, cycling and public transport would be supportive of the equality ambition.
A recent EU Commission decision under its Urban Mobility Framework (UMF) recognises the primary role of cycling and other forms of active transport in moving people in cities/towns and the ECF states in its response to UMF (22 Dec 2021): “We also applaud the Commission’s emphasis on mobility as a critical aspect of social inclusion and an important determinant of human wellbeing, especially for disadvantaged groups, and that transport is an essential service in the European Pillar of Social Rights.”
9.16 Enforcement of Traffic Laws: I am delighted to see plans to enforce traffic laws. I would also welcome new laws that limit or dis-incentivize the size of vehicles on our roads. I would suggest that cars should be issued with emissions stickers that indicate the size of the engine and the quantity of pollution each car emits. Research by Irish Doctor’s for the Environment highlights the detrimental impact of cars to our health.
France has just introduced a law requiring car ads to promote alternative modes of transport. The NTA might consider something similar.
Considerably improved traffic law enforcement is required. Far too many bus lanes, cycle tracks and pavements are blocked by motor vehicles with little enforcement. Blocking footpaths and cycle lanes should be treated as seriously as dangerous driving as vulnerable road users can be put at risk by illegal parking. It may be worth considering the introduction of an online portal which would allow citizens to report illegal parking in real time to support stronger enforcement.
Better enforcement in relation to driving in excess of speed limits is required – in particular in residential areas with 30km/h speed limits which are routinely not adhered to. This can be achieved either through design and traffic management enhancements or road traffic law enforcement. Driving in excess of speed limits in residential 30kmh zones should be considered ‘dangerous driving’ as vulnerable road users are put at risk (e.g. higher risk of fatal injuries of pedestrian and cyclist are struck at speeds in excess of 30kmh).