To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what are the enforcement mechanisms to prevent vehicles from parking in cycle lanes.

My Department is committed to increasing the level of sustainable travel in Northern Ireland and cycling infrastructure has an important role to play in facilitating this. I want to encourage people to cycle and support people to make more sustainable choices. Cars parked inconsiderately on cycle lanes present real challenges to this.

There are two different types of on carriageway cycle lane. Mandatory cycle lanes are bounded by a solid white line, prohibiting all other vehicles from entering them. A Penalty Charge Notice can be issued if a vehicle is found parked in a mandatory cycle lane. Advisory cycle lanes are bounded by a broken white line, signifying that other vehicles should not enter unless it is safe to do so. Advisory cycle lanes are provided without the need for an Order, so there is no legal basis for carrying out enforcement. Drivers are, however, asked not to park in advisory cycle lanes in the Highway Code for Northern Ireland and a Penalty Charge Notice can be issued if there are parking restrictions, such as clearways, or waiting restrictions, on the same stretch of road. My Department’s Road Safety and Sustainable Travel social media channels also posts reminders of the relevant rules to road users, on a regular basis.