Councillors have shed light on a “daft” law which allows cars to block off certain cycle lanes in Bradford. 

One local near Idle Road cycle lane suggested “you might as well pave the whole thing over”, after claiming around 50 cars parked up along the bike route.

He said: “I’m sure in many cases it’s avoidable just like parking on grass verges is avoidable, but neither seem to be cared about anymore.”

Councillors Matt Edwards and Si Cunningham responded, citing modern cars being too big for older driveways and more people owning cars as a reason for cycle lane blockages.

Cllr Edwards (Green, Tong) explained: “Because it has broken white lines this is an ‘Advisory cycle lane’.

“It means motorists can drive or park their vehicles in them but only when ‘unavoidable’, according to the Highway Code.

“Whatever ‘unavoidable’ means. The rules are stupid.”

Cllr Cunningham (Labour, Bolton & Undercliffe) said: “Daft as it seems, it's an advisory cycle lane, so cars can legitimately park there.

“They've been there for some years so probably a throwback to when fewer cars were owned.

“Idle Road is regularly patrolled by wardens and police for where any illegal parking occurs.”

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