Motorists to face £70 penalties for new yellow box junctions in major city

But as part of the project Northfield High Street is set to see yellow box enforcement at the Bell Lane/Church Road/Bristol Road South junction.

Motorists who stop in the box could be penalised, with fines reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

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The rules state that drivers should not enter a yellow box junction unless their exit is clear, except when turning right and not obstructing other traffic.

This move comes as local authorities outside London have been granted powers to enforce 'moving traffic offences' since May 2022, previously only held by police.

Yellow box junctions are designed to keep traffic flowing and prevent gridlock at busy intersections.

Drivers should only enter when their exit is clear and there's enough space on the other side to clear the box completely without stopping.

An exception exists for those turning right, who may stop in the box if prevented from turning by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Drivers should also resist pressure from others to enter when a clear exit isn't available. These rules apply to all yellow box junctions, which are typically found at road junctions, roundabouts, and outside emergency service stations.

The new yellow box enforcement in Northfield High Street has drawn attention from campaign group Better Streets for Birmingham.

While broadly welcoming the proposals, the group have argued more needs to be done, highlighting how illegal loading by food couriers near the box junction is "a severe issue that blocks bus stops and the highway."

Instead of yellow box junctions, Better Streets has proposed making the lead-up to the junction a red route to ease enforcement.

The group also recommend adjusting signals and prioritising enforcement following Birmingham City Council's Moving Traffic Enforcement pilot.

The Cross City Bus Project proposes several changes beyond the yellow box enforcement. In Longbridge Lane, plans include extending the bus stopping area and adding a new bus lane to improve accessibility.

Tessall Lane would see the removal of bollards and creation of a new parking bay, while bus shelters would be upgraded.

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Near Hawkesley Mill Lane, improvements to bus shelters and additional stopping areas are proposed. Hill Top Road area plans include new parking bays and road widening at a junction.

However, Better Streets for Birmingham noted that while welcome, these proposals don't fully address the main issues, particularly the high volume of traffic using the Northfield High Street junction.

With fines of up to £70, the new enforcement is part of broader efforts to improve bus services and traffic flow in Birmingham.