Drivers using a major motorway interchange in the West Midlands are being warned they could face financial penalties for breaking a traffic rule that frequently causes confusion.
New Enforcement Cameras Go Live
Sandwell Council is set to activate new enforcement cameras at Junction 1 of the M5 in West Bromwich. The cameras will monitor a yellow box junction, issuing fines to motorists who stop inside the marked area when they should not.
The council has been granted Moving Traffic Contravention powers by the Department for Transport (DfT) for six trial sites, with this busy junction being one of the first. The aim is to improve traffic flow and safety at a known congestion hotspot.
A Rule Many Drivers Don't Understand
Research indicates that a significant number of drivers are either unclear about or simply forget the rules governing yellow box junctions. It is a common sight to see vehicles stationary within these boxes, often because drivers enter without ensuring their exit is clear.
The Highway Code states that you must not enter the box unless your exit road or lane is clear. The only exception is when you are waiting to turn right and are only stopped by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.
Cllr Keith Allcock, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for roads, said: "Acquiring these powers will allow Sandwell to continue to be more proactive in improving road safety, air quality, congestion, and network management."
Risk of Widespread Penalties
The introduction of camera enforcement opens the prospect of hundreds of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) being issued to drivers who make the mistake. Motorists often get caught out either through lack of knowledge or a momentary lapse in concentration, ending up stranded in the box and blocking the path for other road users.
Yellow boxes are painted at busy junctions and roundabouts specifically to keep traffic moving and prevent gridlock. With the cameras soon to be operational, drivers are urged to refresh their knowledge of this rule to avoid an unexpected fine.
