Thousands of cyclists fined for using their phones since July ban

Over 9,200 cyclists have been fined for using their mobile phones while riding their bikes since the ban was introduced on July 1, according to justice ministry figures.

Cyclists risk a fine of €95 if they use their phones without hands-free equipment.

In total, the police issued 2.8 million fines for traffic offences between May 1 and August 31, a drop of 300,000 on a year ago. Some 44,000 people were fined for using their phones in traffic, in both cars and on bikes.

Speeding is the most common traffic offence – almost 2.5 million people were fined for driving too fast. Most of the offences were recorded digitally on speed cameras, the justice ministry said.