British motorists are facing a financial hammer blow as yellow box junctions across the country have become cash cows for local councils, generating a staggering £35 million in fines in just a single year.
The controversial traffic enforcement measure has seen drivers penalised millions of times for stopping in these designated areas, with some councils earning more than £2 million from a single junction.
The Big Earners
Transport for London emerged as the biggest beneficiary, collecting an eye-watering £16.9 million from yellow box infringements. Meanwhile, Cardiff Council proved equally aggressive in enforcement, pulling in £2.1 million from just one problematic junction.
Other councils joining the revenue bonanza include:
- Hammersmith and Fulham: £2 million from one box junction
- Islington: £1.8 million from enforcement
- Hackney: £1.3 million collected
- Ealing: £1.1 million in fines
Motorist Outrage
The RAC has condemned the situation as "completely wrong," arguing that box junctions should primarily serve traffic flow purposes rather than becoming significant revenue streams for local authorities.
Many drivers report being trapped in these junctions through no fault of their own, often due to unexpected traffic conditions or poor road design that makes compliance nearly impossible.
Call for Reform
Motoring organisations are demanding urgent review of box junction placement and enforcement practices. They argue that many junctions are poorly designed and essentially function as "traps" for unwary drivers.
The massive revenue generation has raised serious questions about whether traffic management is being prioritised over profit-making from motorists who are already facing rising costs of vehicle ownership.
As councils continue to cash in, British drivers are left wondering if these yellow boxes are really about keeping traffic moving or simply filling local authority coffers.
