Road rules: Blitz on CBD drivers parked in bike lanes

A CRACKDOWN on inconsiderate motorists blocking bike lanes in Melbourne’s CBD has led to twice as many drivers being booked for the offence.

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A CRACKDOWN on inconsiderate motorists blocking CBD bicycle lanes has led to twice as many drivers being booked for the offence.

Melbourne council officers nabbed 350 vehicles illegally parked in bike lanes last month — up from 175 in May.

A van parked in a bike lane on Exhibition St.

Park in the empty loading zone? Nah mate. I'll just take up an entire bike lane and half the traffic lane.@cityofmelbourne @bicycle_network pic.twitter.com/OMoYWYzSel

— Phillip Tyson (@PhillipTyson) April 27, 2017

The ticketing blitz comes after Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said he was happy to name and shame on social media any business vehicle parked in bike lanes because it was dangerous and disrupted traffic.

City of Melbourne spokesman Matt Smithson said the doubling of infringements was because of the crackdown, as well as a social media campaign and the support of Mr Doyle.

“Our aim is for drivers to stop using bike lanes as a drop off point or parking area, and choose the legal parking options,’’ Mr Smithson said.

Offenders are fined $155 for parking in a no-stopping lane.

Forecast for our bike lanes today is mostly clear, with a chance of occasional naughty driver. Officers are out patrolling, every morning. pic.twitter.com/CIw38QCpxQ

— City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) May 24, 2017

$155. Because no stopping means no stopping! Our officers are helping to keep cyclists safe every day. pic.twitter.com/TuGu3tLl8b

— City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) June 16, 2017

Exhibition St bike lanes all clear on the way in thx @cityofmelbourne ... Can someone teach the delta group truck drivers to reverse. Geez

— Matthew (@mdp01) July 3, 2017

Bicycle Network Victoria chief executive Craig Richards welcomed the increased action.

“Cars parked illegally in bike lanes are sudden obstacles that increase crash risk and disrupt traffic flow by causing riders to merge with cars and trucks,’’ Mr Richards said.

“It’s like a car being forced to jump in with F1s on the Grand Prix track at Albert Park.

Mr Richards believed more people were contacting the council of illegally parked cars.

“We ask that this continues so offenders can be fined and moved on.”

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@IanRoyall