Motorists warned to expect an “avalanche” of fines after a major change in yellow field rules

DRIVERS are warned to expect an “avalanche” of fines following a major change in yellow box crossing rules.

Local authorities across England will soon be able to levy charges for moving traffic offences, including making an illegal turn, driving the wrong way down a one-way street or ‘abusing’ a yellow box.

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The government accepts requests from councils, to give the green light for issuing fines for these offenses from 01.01.

But the RAC claims Motorists are unfairly penalized unless the Department of Transportation improves its design, maintenance, and enforcement policies.

Yellow boxes are used to ensure Traffic flows smoothly through busy intersections.

Motorists should only enter if their exit is clear or they are waiting to turn right.

But activists say many have “design flaws,” such as B. being too big or having buildings or street furniture that obstruct the view of their end.

The problems can result in drivers being trapped through no fault of their own, they say.

According to the RAC, government guidance on yellow boxes does not specify their specific function, how they are designed in relation to vehicle movements, or how they are to be maintained or enforced.

The only local authorities currently empowered to enforce traffic offenses in England and Wales are Transport for London (TfL), the London Boroughs and Cardiff Council.

On TfL’s red routes, PCNs are £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.

An investigation by the RAC in 2020 found London and Cardiff took in £31.4million in FY2018/19 after issuing more than half a million PCNs for yellow box breaches.

Nicholas Lyes, Head of Roads Policy at the RAC, said: “Without definitive guidance on the design, maintenance and enforcement of crossings, there will be a high level of confusion for drivers and local authorities.

“It could lead to an avalanche of wrongful fines being issued and then having to appeal.

“This will inevitably lead to an unnecessarily high number of appeals for scrutiny by local authorities, as well as some poor results for drivers.

“We have written to the Department for Transport asking them to update the guidance to make it clear to local authorities what the minimum standard of design and condition of a junction box should be before enforcement can begin.

“However, they insist that the current guidance is sufficient.”

‘CONFUSION’

He said “countless bogus fines” will be imposed if the changes are implemented.

“We are concerned that the failure to update the guidance to include the lessons learned from more than 15 years of enforcement in London will result countless bogus fines issuedendless unnecessary stress for drivers who feel unfairly treated and thousands of wasted council hours investigating appeals,” he said.

“It is absolutely crucial that yellow crossings are fairly enforced and as things stand this may not be the case, meaning many drivers will be mistreated and lose out financially as a result.”

A DfT spokeswoman said: “These new powers are intended to improve bicycle safety, air quality and support for bus transport.

“It’s up to local authorities to enforce them and make sure they meet local needs.”