ANNE HAILES (July 14) offers an interesting analysis of 'confusing rights of way' in her column regarding the use of cycle lanes in Belfast. She ponders the dos and don'ts of motorists using these lanes. She also gave advice to a concerned driver who, after witnessing the potential danger caused, stated "cars should not be parked in cycle lanes" - for any reason. Unfortunately, Anne Hailes avoided this crucial observation giving an ambiguous response, referring to the Highway Code stating knowledge of such indicates the cycle lane in question was/is 'an advisory lane'. The Highway Code rule 140 states, quite unambiguously, 'motorists must not drive or park in an advisory lane - unless it is unavoidable.'
It should also be noted Roads Service declares 'they aim to keep bus lanes free from illegal parking in order to assist bus drivers with their timetables, to keep cycle lanes specifically clear for purpose they are aimed at'.
The Department of Regional Development employ contractors 'to provide enforcement' fines and such for supposed infringement of laws.
The arterial route of the Ravenhill Road is one of many where seemingly these laws are being flouted and ignored.
If one dares to venture onto the Lisburn Road or the Falls Road, two major arterial routes in and out of the city, bus and cycle lanes have illegal parking day and daily with buses unable to function properly and cyclists forced to use the footpath; with no obvious sign of enforcement officers there is a suggestion someone is failing in their duties, concentrating instead their efforts to some benign area of the city.
Ironically, Highway Code rule 64 states: 'You must not cycle on the pavement'.
KEVIN McCANN
Belfast BT1
