Yellow Box Question
Discussion
From another forum I frequent, I've taken the below post:
The red car (1) waiting to turn right - your lights go green, but there is a queue of traffic (red hatching) which is a common occurrence.
Do you:
a) Stay behind the stop line and wait till there is a gap outside the YB to clear the junction.
b) Move forward and turn blue (2) and wait for a gap after the YB, knowing you could be "caught" in the junction when the lights change.
c) Something else.
In position (2) you won't be blocking traffic from 10 o'clock as there is a dedicated right turn lane (although you'd only know this with local knowledge).
HC176 is unclear.
We're all a bit uncertain what is the correct answer. I figured maybe some of you legal folk can shine a spotlight on it and clarify what's the best option?
The red car (1) waiting to turn right - your lights go green, but there is a queue of traffic (red hatching) which is a common occurrence.
Do you:
a) Stay behind the stop line and wait till there is a gap outside the YB to clear the junction.
b) Move forward and turn blue (2) and wait for a gap after the YB, knowing you could be "caught" in the junction when the lights change.
c) Something else.
In position (2) you won't be blocking traffic from 10 o'clock as there is a dedicated right turn lane (although you'd only know this with local knowledge).
HC176 is unclear.
We're all a bit uncertain what is the correct answer. I figured maybe some of you legal folk can shine a spotlight on it and clarify what's the best option?
In heavy traffic, I suspect option a) could mean you waiting for a very long time.with an increasing build-up of traffic behind you.
Whereas b) could mean you blocking the right turning traffic from 10 o'clock.
Without local knowledge I'm not sure which is the lesser of two evils tbh.
Street level view of the junction - https://goo.gl/maps/QDQcKWSivmw
Whereas b) could mean you blocking the right turning traffic from 10 o'clock.
Without local knowledge I'm not sure which is the lesser of two evils tbh.
Street level view of the junction - https://goo.gl/maps/QDQcKWSivmw
Whoever designed the yellow box deliberately did not make it extend across the lane where the blue2 blob is, and so therefore must have anticipated and condoned the scenario you describe. Pull forward to the box (and blame the council). If your actions cause queues of traffic and disruption then they will get out the yellow paint to prevent that course of action in the future.
No that it counts for much, but I'd go with option #2.
As you say, you're not blocking L2 turning right and the fact the box junction doesn't go across the carriage way suggests to me it's primarily to stop drivers blocking the lane to those turning right (both yourself and those coming in from 10 o'clock).
That's my tuppence worth
As you say, you're not blocking L2 turning right and the fact the box junction doesn't go across the carriage way suggests to me it's primarily to stop drivers blocking the lane to those turning right (both yourself and those coming in from 10 o'clock).
That's my tuppence worth
If traffic from 4 o'clock looks as though it is continuous, then there will always be a queue in the red hatched area. So option 1 will mean you will be stopped at the lights for a long time. Much as it may make you unpopular with the traffic from 10 o'clock turning right I would pull forward to blue 2 and wait until I could drive into the red hatched area.
If by some chance a police car came long they could see the problem created by the council/highways and possibly do something about it.
If by some chance a police car came long they could see the problem created by the council/highways and possibly do something about it.
b) when lights change, move up to, but not into the yellow box. Wait until it clears ahead of it, then go.
The assumption is that the junction and light timings are such that, when the other traffic to the left and right of you start to move, the traffic blocking your exit from the yellow box will start moving and you can enter and exit the yellow box.
The main issue here is that the lights and yellow box may well have cameras. So, rightly or wrongly, be directed by what those cameras will pick up - there will be no consideration for extenuating circumstances if you enter the yellow box, not even for a police or ambulance (they have no authority to force you to break the law, they can direct you through red lights and into yellow boxes, but the police will have to be out of the car and waving you through).
You will undoubtedly piss people off who are behind you if you wait behind the traffic lights, and that wait could be a long one!
The assumption is that the junction and light timings are such that, when the other traffic to the left and right of you start to move, the traffic blocking your exit from the yellow box will start moving and you can enter and exit the yellow box.
The main issue here is that the lights and yellow box may well have cameras. So, rightly or wrongly, be directed by what those cameras will pick up - there will be no consideration for extenuating circumstances if you enter the yellow box, not even for a police or ambulance (they have no authority to force you to break the law, they can direct you through red lights and into yellow boxes, but the police will have to be out of the car and waving you through).
You will undoubtedly piss people off who are behind you if you wait behind the traffic lights, and that wait could be a long one!
Option 2.
The traffic approaching from driver's right is in two lanes. That right hand lane is a right turn only, and so the hatching would allow them space enough to pass between you and the queue, over the yellow box. The left hand lane of the traffic approaching from the driver's right, going straight on, will pass behind you. IF someone decides to follow you and block that traffic, it's their problem, not yours.
The traffic approaching from driver's right is in two lanes. That right hand lane is a right turn only, and so the hatching would allow them space enough to pass between you and the queue, over the yellow box. The left hand lane of the traffic approaching from the driver's right, going straight on, will pass behind you. IF someone decides to follow you and block that traffic, it's their problem, not yours.
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