Hundreds of drivers have been fined for breaking major Highway Code rules in place across Leicester in the past year.
The fines were issued for breaking the yellow box junctions rules put in place along a set of streets in the East Midlands city which see rule breakers slapped with hefty fines.
Leicester City Council originally imposed yellow box junctions on busy roads including Abbey Street, Gravel Street, Vaughan Way and Causeway Lane.
As part of the restrictions, drivers could face a £70 penalty for stopping in the box junctions, although this fee could be halved if paid early.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
In total, 1,865 warning notices were issued between May and November for breaking yellow box scheme rules
PAAccording to the council, camera enforcement of both junctions into effect on Monday, May 27, 2024, with drivers given a six-month grace period where warning letters were issued instead of fines.
Under Rule 174 of the Highway Code it states that drivers "MUST NOT" enter the box until the exit road or lane is clear. However, drivers may enter the box and wait when they want to turn right and are "only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right".
In total 1,865 warning notices were issued between May and November across the two junctions with less than half resulting in penalties as only 475 fines were given out.
The yellow box junctions were to help remove congestion near St Margaret's bus station. The report also found that 647 warnings and 280 PCNs were issued for the Abbey Street and Gravel Street junction.
For the Vaughan Way and Causeway Lane junction,1,218 warning notices were given out while 195 PCNs were handed to drivers.
The council explained that both junctions regularly become blocked by motorists who enter the boxes without being able to exit, which causes disruptions to the bus services, blockages for emergency vehicles and could risk causing gridlock.
A Leicester City Council spokesperson said: "Camera enforcement is an effective way of deterring motorists from committing traffic offences that be dangerous or obstructive for other road users.
"Motorists who break the law by entering the boxes without being able to exit can easily block the junction disrupting bus services, obstructing emergency vehicles and potentially causing gridlock."
The spokesperson explained that the camera enforcement means that anyone caught breaking the law at these important junctions will "automatically be issued with a fine".
Speaking at the time, City Mayor Peter Soulsby said the new "London-style" camera-enforced yellow box junctions will "benefit all road users".
He shared: "The clearly marked yellow box junctions are there to stop motorists from entering the junction unless their exit is clear, as set out in the Highway Code.
"The new enforcement powers mean we can take more responsibility for ensuring that traffic flows efficiently and safely, helping to tackle unnecessary obstructions and congestion at these important junctions."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Drivers can be hit with a traffic fine for stopping in a yellow box junction PAJack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, warned that allowing local authorities the power to fine drivers for yellow box junction infringements "has undoubtedly opened up a new revenue stream for cash-strapped councils".
He stated that the majority of drivers do not break the rules on purpose, "which is why we have always argued that first-time offenders should receive a warning letter".
