The UK Government has formally rejected calls to overhaul the rules governing yellow box junctions, following a public petition signed by more than 11,000 motorists. The petition had argued for greater leniency, claiming the current system could be abused to generate revenue from fines.
Petition Calls for Grace Period and Size Limits
The parliamentary petition, entitled 'Change law around box junctions to give drivers more leniency', called for several key amendments. It proposed introducing a 10-second 'grace period' before a penalty is issued for stopping in a box junction.
Furthermore, it requested that new regulations ensure yellow boxes are 'no bigger than necessary' and suggested they should only be used at signal-controlled junctions. The petitioners contended that some boxes are overly large and that the rules, as stated in Rule 174 of the Highway Code, can be misapplied.
Government Response: Changes Would Cause Gridlock
In a detailed online response, the Department for Transport (DfT) dismissed the proposed changes. Officials stated that a 10-second delay before issuing a penalty is 'a long period of time in traffic flow terms' and would actively hinder the purpose of the markings.
The department argued that such a grace period would 'delay opposing arm traffic from crossing the junction' and 'undermine the purpose of the yellow box marking', ultimately leading to increased congestion.
Addressing the call for size restrictions, the DfT said it is 'not possible to legislate for a minimum 'necessary' size' because every road junction is unique. It emphasised that local authorities possess the detailed knowledge required to design effective box junctions for their specific locations.
No Plans to Amend Highway Code or Legislation
The government confirmed it has no current plans to amend the wording in the Highway Code or the underlying legislation. The legal framework for box junctions is set out in The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD).
The DfT clarified the distinct roles of the Highway Code and the TSRGD: 'The Highway Code is intended to provide clear guidance to road users in plain language, while TSRGD sets out the legal requirements.'
On the core request for more leniency in law enforcement, the response was clear: 'application of the law is a matter for the enforcing authority'. The Department stated it does not intervene in individual cases, and drivers seeking leniency should appeal directly to the relevant authority or courts.
The petition, which was launched following concerns from drivers, will now close. Under parliamentary rules, it would have needed to reach 100,000 signatures to be considered for a debate in the House of Commons.
