Frustrations over drivers parking in a cycle lane along a busy street in Reading have been expressed.
Whitley Street in Katesgrove is home to dozens of businesses, takeaways and a Tesco Express.
But frustrations have been voiced that drivers are breaking rules by double parking in the street and blocking a lane established to ease journeys for cyclists.
Reading Borough Council has the power to fine for driving rule breaches, which include parking in cycle lanes.
But just eight penalty charge notice (PCN) fines were issued for parking in the cycle lane in Whitley Street in 2023/24.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service visited Whitley Street just before 2.30pm yesterday (Monday, June 16) to observe the situation.
Two cars were seen parked in the cycle lane with hazard warning lights on.
One of the cars pulled away shortly after being spotted. A cyclist was seen using the cycle lane without issue.
The problem has recently been raised at a council meeting.
Councillor Kate Nikulina (Green, Katesgrove) said: “The cycle lane along Whitley Street continues to face issues with vehicles parking illegally and obstructing its use.
Following previous discussions with transport planners, it was agreed that the council’s CCTV enforcement vehicle would be deployed to monitor this location and issue penalty notices where appropriate.
“Could the lead councillor please provide an update on how this enforcement has been progressing, including how many penalty notices have been issued to date?
The question was addressed to John Ennis, lead councillor for transport, who explained that there are barriers to enforcement which limit the amount of pressure that can be levelled on drivers.
Although the government issued an order on June 20, 2020, giving councils the power to enforce cycle lanes in the same manner as bus lanes, parking in a cycle lane is not a contravention.
A contravention would only take place if there are also painted lines restricting parking on the road.
Cllr Ennis (Labour, Southcote explained: “Unless there are kerb markings, double or single yellow lines in the adjacent kerb, we are unable to enforce using CCTV.
“This restriction limits our options in respect of enforcement to the majority of Whitley Street to tickets issued in the normal manner for contraventions, namely by the physical presence of an officer placing a penalty charge on the vehicle.”
He then stated that the CCTV enforcement car could be used to fine rule-breaking drivers.
Cllr Ennis said: “Enforcement will continue to use the CCTV vehicle where restrictions are in force and to date we have issued eight PCNs for parking in the cycle lane.”
The answer was given at a traffic management sub-committee meeting on Wednesday, June 11.
The issue was previously addressed in March, when use of the CCTV enforcement car was first suggested.
