Discussion
There is a box junction near to my place of work, through which I have to pass every day on my way home. There have always been box markings at this particular junction, but the markings have recently been extended to take into account an extension of the metrolink which also now passes through the junction.
Now, box jujctions aren't a particularly complicated principle. Keep the yellow markings clear unless you're turning right. Don't enter the yellow markings unless your exit is clear or there is, at least, enough room for your vehicle to enter on the far side of the junction without remaining stationary on the markings.
Its not even as if the reason for box junctions is difficult to understand. In principle, they keep the junctions clear when traffic is heavy & keep at least some traffic flow in all directions.
So, how come so many people either fail to grasp this simple rule, or (as I suspect is more often the case) choose to completely ignore it? Yesterday was a new record. I sat stationary through three cycles of the traffic lights whilst the junction was completely blocked by drivers ignoring the box markings and sitting in a long stationary line right through the junction. Each time the lights changed back to red for me, the traffic subsequently cleared the junction, only to be replaced by another line of sheep blindly following the vehicle in front until they stopped, again completely blocking the junction.
They even seem happy to stop right across the live tram lines. Trams are every 6 minutes or so and one was forced to stop last night. I'm not too concerned about a slightly delayed tram, but you'd think people wouldn't be stupid enough to put theirselves and their passengers at such risk for the sake of moving a few feet forward? Fortunately for me, the tram cut off the flow of traffic and allowed the junction to clear. Without it I might still be there now.
Its not just this particular junction either. It seems most box junctions have become almost entirely optional these days. I accept there is an issue with worn-out road markings making them more difficult to see, but they're never completely worn out are they?
I can only think that enforcement is the answer, but whats enforcement like in other areas? I think its one of the offences delegated down to local authorities - what happens in London, where there are countless thousands of these junctions? Is there an enforcement regime for box junctions? How unpopular is it? Does it work? Is there an alternative? Who's lawn should I hammer sausages into?
Now, box jujctions aren't a particularly complicated principle. Keep the yellow markings clear unless you're turning right. Don't enter the yellow markings unless your exit is clear or there is, at least, enough room for your vehicle to enter on the far side of the junction without remaining stationary on the markings.
Its not even as if the reason for box junctions is difficult to understand. In principle, they keep the junctions clear when traffic is heavy & keep at least some traffic flow in all directions.
So, how come so many people either fail to grasp this simple rule, or (as I suspect is more often the case) choose to completely ignore it? Yesterday was a new record. I sat stationary through three cycles of the traffic lights whilst the junction was completely blocked by drivers ignoring the box markings and sitting in a long stationary line right through the junction. Each time the lights changed back to red for me, the traffic subsequently cleared the junction, only to be replaced by another line of sheep blindly following the vehicle in front until they stopped, again completely blocking the junction.
They even seem happy to stop right across the live tram lines. Trams are every 6 minutes or so and one was forced to stop last night. I'm not too concerned about a slightly delayed tram, but you'd think people wouldn't be stupid enough to put theirselves and their passengers at such risk for the sake of moving a few feet forward? Fortunately for me, the tram cut off the flow of traffic and allowed the junction to clear. Without it I might still be there now.
Its not just this particular junction either. It seems most box junctions have become almost entirely optional these days. I accept there is an issue with worn-out road markings making them more difficult to see, but they're never completely worn out are they?
I can only think that enforcement is the answer, but whats enforcement like in other areas? I think its one of the offences delegated down to local authorities - what happens in London, where there are countless thousands of these junctions? Is there an enforcement regime for box junctions? How unpopular is it? Does it work? Is there an alternative? Who's lawn should I hammer sausages into?
I've noticed that many people don't know that they are allowed to enter the box if they intend to turn right. Instead, the lead car crawls past the light and sits outside the box until the way is clear, backing everyone else up behind.
Suck larks!
I saw an interesting new development last night. I was third car stopped in line at a pelican crossing. The pedestrian had crossed the road but the light was still on red. Nevertheless, the two cars in front of me proceeded to drive through the red light.
Optional reds? What's that all about?
I blame foreigners. ( I really do). I am probably wrong about this though.
Suck larks!
I saw an interesting new development last night. I was third car stopped in line at a pelican crossing. The pedestrian had crossed the road but the light was still on red. Nevertheless, the two cars in front of me proceeded to drive through the red light.
Optional reds? What's that all about?
I blame foreigners. ( I really do). I am probably wrong about this though.
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