Gardaí Target Illegal Parking in Cork and Nationwide with €150 Fines

An Garda Síochána conducted a nationwide roads policing initiative yesterday, targeting drivers who illegally park on footpaths and in disabled bays with €150 fixed charge notices.

Operation Enable saw Gardaí across the country deploy high-visibility patrols to detect parking offenders and issue on-the-spot fines. The enforcement operation specifically focused on parking violations that create significant challenges for vulnerable road users and people with disabilities.

The initiative addresses the impact of illegal parking on accessibility, particularly affecting wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, parents with prams, and other pedestrians who face obstacles when footpaths are blocked by vehicles.

An Garda Síochána explained the operation's purpose:

"This proactive enforcement operation is designed to target illegal parking on footpaths and in disabled bays, which poses significant challenges and inconvenience to vulnerable road users and people with disabilities."

The force emphasised that seemingly minor parking infractions can have serious consequences for other road users, particularly those with disabilities who may be forced into dangerous situations when navigating blocked pathways.

Gardaí urged motorists to consider the broader impact of their parking choices:

"We are encouraging all drivers to please consider how everyday actions, such as blocking footpaths which may appear relatively harmless, can in fact seriously affect others."

The €150 penalty represents a substantial fine aimed at deterring illegal parking practices that compromise accessibility and safety for vulnerable members of the community.

Friday's operation formed part of ongoing Garda efforts to improve road safety and ensure equal access to public spaces for all citizens.