Box Junction

[Obiwanw]

Apologies if this has been asked before, I did look around but couldn’t find a similar post.

If I’m turning right, and the exit is clear or only blocked by oncoming traffic or other traffic also turning right, I understand I can enter the box and wait.

What is supposed to happen if the exit is clear when I enter the box, except for oncoming traffic, but then the exit becomes blocked either by oncoming traffic turning left, or traffic ahead of me turning right be stopping and therefore blocking my exit? Should I expect a ticket?

Thanks

[Obiwanw]

Thanks both.
You’re definitely allowed to stop in a box to turn right as far as I can see. You can even be stopped behind another car as long as you’re both turning right AFAICS. It’s when the situation changes as per the first reply it puzzles me as it’s not something under your control. If you were legally waiting in the box,I can’t see how someone else’s action can invalidate that

Edited by Obiwanw on Wednesday 14th September 16:59

[Obiwanw]

Go ahead instead of turning is a good suggestion, if practical. Provided it’s permitted of course. It could be difficult on a box if you’re already positioned to turn right perhaps.

Assuming it’s not practical for some reason (I accept that there probably won’t be many situations where you can’t wiggle a bit and go ahead) .

Back to the original situation where I’m stationary on a box, my exit blocked by something that wasn’t there when I properly entered the box. It doesn’t seem reasonable that one should get a ticket in this situation.

[Obiwanw]

Yes I know not to enter if the exit road if blocked. I’m thinking about if you enter but oncoming traffic prevent you completing the turn. So you wait on the box - which is permitted. While your waiting, a oncoming car turns left and the exit that was clear isn’t anymore. But you’re sat on the box. You entered the box according to the rules, but now you can’t leave it, through no one’s fault. I’ve definitely seen that happen.

[Obiwanw]

Then I think it becomes tricky to forecast. There could be a number of cars turning left from the oncoming traffic. It could be clear while I’m waiting then get busy. There’s no way to predict really. It doesn’t change the basic situation. I’m after the principle but I appreciate your response. I’ll ask the agency I think and post their reply.

It isn’t hypothetical as there’s a particular junction in the city where I live where I’ve seen exactly that scenario unfold.

[Obiwanw]

Thanks trashbat. That’s useful. 3b seems to apply only to oncoming vehicles (which the car having turned left and blocked the exit isn’t of course),or vehicles in front of me also waiting to turn right. Maybe I have found a gap in the law

[Obiwanw]

The law doesn’t mention anticipation. Whilst I agree, it would be wise not to enter the box if you can see there’s likely to be a blocked exit, the law doesn’t require you to do this. So in effect you’ve started a permitted manoeuvre but someone else has prevented you from completing it. I’ve described a potential scenario which could not be foreseen especially in busy traffic.

The point I am making is about the application of the law not what would be prudent.

[Obiwanw]

Last comment to you Phil as you clearly don’t get it. It isn’t about what I want and it’s disappointing that you put it that way. I can explain the scenario to you but I can’t understand it for you.

The scenario I’ve described happens in practice. If everyone waited until it was 100% guaranteed that you could exit then there would be no point ever entering the box. What would result (quite rightly) is objection from other road users as the previous poster pointed out.

You don’t get it that’s fine.

I’ll post any response I get from the Highway Code people.