Cycle lanes for cyclists, not parked cars

North Shore drivers are being warned not to park in cycle lanes, or they will get a ticket.

New road use laws introduced by the Government in February mean it is now illegal to park in a cycle lane, North Shore City's transport operations and support services manager, Tom Morton, says.

"We have been issuing warnings to drivers parked in cycle lanes in the past couple of weeks. From next week, our Parksafe officers will be handing out fines of $60.

"We're trying to encourage more people to cycle in North Shore City, to help reduce traffic, by providing cycle lanes. A lane is not much good to cyclists if there is a car parked in the middle of it," Tom Morton says.

"Cyclists are particularly at risk from cars pulling in to park in a cycle lane without checking for bikes. By preventing cars from parking in cycle lanes, we are making roads safer.

In some parts of North Shore City businesses have been using cycle lanes on the road for parking, even though they are aware they must provide enough parking on-site, as part of their resource consent, Tom Morton says.

"These roads were never intended as car parks - roads are meant primarily for moving people, including cyclists.

"Some people may be inconvenienced by having to park in a different place. We are asking drivers to be considerate of cyclists, who also have a right to use the road." (ends)

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