Nearly 600 cyclists received on-the-spot fines for cycling offences in the first six months of the new penalty regime.

Fines were introduced for seven offences at the end of last July and 577 people were issued with a fine by the end of January.

According to the Irish Times, 330 received fines for breaking red lights – the most common offence – while 125 did not have a front or back light after dark.

Another 70 incurred a €40 fine after they were found to be riding without due care and attention.

More than 20,000 fines were issued to speeding motorists during the same period.