Drivers views over Yellow Box Junctions
While
some councils are apparently keen to have additional powers to catch drivers
who stop in yellow box junctions, new RAC research
suggests 80% of motorists struggle to get through them without stopping
RAC survey found, 67% of respondents
had difficulty getting through ‘some’ yellow boxes without stopping, while 13%
said this is the case for ‘most’ of the junctions they encounter.
78% of those who experienced difficulty
said the problem is very often caused by poor sequencing of traffic
lights.
32% blame their infringement on the
fact so many other drivers break the rules that it forces them to do the same.
However, 13% of respondents said every
yellow box junction is ‘easy to negotiate’ without coming to a halt.
At the moment, only local authorities in London and Cardiff
are able to enforce yellow box junctions with cameras, and issue Penalty
Charge Notice (PCNs).
However, many more councils in England
and Wales would like to use cameras to enforce these road junctions.
The RAC says declining number of roads
policing officers means there is currently little or no enforcement of the
offence in other areas – leading to calls for a roll-out of camera enforcement.
36% of respondents to the RAC survey
believe councils should be able to issue PCNs – while an additional 36% agreed
they ought to have the power, but should limit enforcement only to problem
junctions.
RAC spokesperson, said: “Our research
shows yellow box junctions are a very divisive issue with drivers.
“While the majority are in favour of
councils more widely being allowed to use cameras to catch offenders, there is
a strong feeling that many junctions are not set up fairly which leads to
drivers having no choice but stop in them, whether that’s due to poor traffic
light sequencing, poor design or being used in the wrong place.
“The RAC is generally supportive of
local authorities having the power to enforce yellow box junctions because of
the value of local knowledge, but has concerns that it could lead to local
authorities being inconsistent in their application of road traffic law.
“There is also a risk that
cash-strapped authorities may see it as a lucrative revenue stream. To prevent
this, we think warning letters for a first contravention would be appropriate.
“We therefore believe it is essential
that every yellow
Box Junction where a camera is installed is comprehensively
tested to ensure it is easy to negotiate without stopping.”