RAC uncovers problems with nine-in-10 yellow box junctions councils want to enforce

A new report from the RAC has found that nine out of ten yellow box junctions that councils want to enforce have problems with visibility or size.

The report, which looked at 111 yellow box junctions that councils have put forward to be enforced, found that 90 (81%) of the boxes were unnecessarily large and 40 boxes (36%) had visibility issues.

In some cases, drivers couldn’t even see there was a box present because of faded road markings, let alone where it ended.

The RAC is calling on councils to review their proposals to ensure that yellow box junctions are only enforced where they are necessary and where drivers can clearly see them.

The report’s findings come after the government gave councils outside of London and Cardiff the power to enforce moving traffic offences, including yellow box junctions.

The RAC is concerned that councils may be tempted to enforce yellow box junctions more strictly in order to raise revenue, rather than to improve safety.

The report’s author, Rod Dennis, said: “Yellow box junctions are there to keep traffic flowing and prevent gridlock. But if they’re too big or drivers can’t see them, they can actually make things worse.

“Councils need to be careful not to use yellow box junctions as a cash cow. They should only enforce them where they’re necessary and where drivers can clearly see them.”

The RAC is urging drivers to check the road markings before entering a yellow box junction and to only enter if they can see that their exit is clear.