27 Councils Eye Yellow Box Fines, But Is It Fair?
The Government’s move last year letting councils outside London and Cardiff crack down on moving traffic offences has sparked a surge. Some 27 local authorities want to enforce fines at 111 yellow box junctions, a fresh RAC report reveals.
90% of Boxes Risk Unfair Fines, Engineers Warn
RAC hired Sam Wright, ex-Transport for London chartered engineer who once designed and approved yellow boxes on the TfL network, to give these proposals a once-over. The verdict? Problems with 90% of these boxes could see drivers slapped with unjust fines.
Over half (61 out of 111) blatantly break current rules, says the report. That includes boxes placed at roundabouts with no traffic lights or even outside private car parks. Hertfordshire pulled back from fining a junction after the council’s public outcry.
Expert Sounds Alarm Over Flawed Enforcement
Sam Wright: “Many of these boxes have been sitting in place for years, maybe decades. Authorities seem to have assumed their old yellow boxes are fit for enforcement without fresh checks – which government guidance clearly recommends.”
“Lots needs fixing with yellow box law and enforcement. At minimum, councils should conduct thorough audits before fining drivers to catch any issues.”
“Sadly, none of the consultations show any evidence of such audits. The Department for Transport must urgently review guidance and make audits compulsory to ensure fairness and transparency.”
RAC Calls for Government Action on Shaky Yellow Boxes
Simon Williams, RAC roads spokesperson: “Alarm bells we raised last year are ringing loud. Government guidance doesn’t properly tackle box size, meaning many drivers face unfair penalties.”
“Fines can hit people’s wallets hard. Drivers can get tickets for even a momentary overhang. Often, drivers get stuck through no fault of their own. It’s a moral duty to make fines fair and appeals consistent nationwide.”
“Enforcement might even worsen congestion, as drivers hesitate, afraid of getting pinged. This defeats the whole purpose.”
“We urge an urgent Government review of yellow box guidance. They must clarify what’s enforceable, resolve size and visibility issues, and demand councils audit all junctions properly, even from drivers’ viewpoints. If councils get it wrong, fines must be refunded and junctions fixed.”
