Traffic lights and box junctions

Deastons

Often at traffic lights, there is a gap between the stop line and the box junction. Yesterday, I stopped in that gap because my exit from the box junction wasn't clear.

Then the lights went red and shortly after, my exit cleared. The car behind me then beeped as if I should be continuing across the junction (to be fair, there were no cars crossing).

So once you're over the stop line, can you at any time thereafter cross the junction? Or must you wait until a green light again?

facade

The red-light offence is if any part of your vehicle (including overhanging bumper/towbar etc) crosses the stopline on red.

So if you are completely clear, you are in theory immune to the lights, but would no doubt face a charge of careless/dangerous if you move away into the path of someone.

Deastons

facade wrote: »

The red-light offence is if any part of your vehicle (including overhanging bumper/towbar etc) crosses the stopline on red.

So if you are completely clear, you are in theory immune to the lights, but would no doubt face a charge of careless/dangerous if you move away into the path of someone.

Which begs the question: Why does the gap between the stop line and the box junction exist if not to facilitate drivers crossing the junction when the lights are on red?

But, on this occasion, I could see the road was clear, so I could legally have crossed? When the guy behind beeped (and beeped and beeeeeped) I considered it, but I wasn't sure enough.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road (see 'Road markings'). You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.


If you were intending to turn right you should be waiting in the box.


People think that a box junction must be kept clear at all times no exceptions, but are wrong if you going right you can, not left, and not to wait in it going straight ahead. If you pass the line, and for any reason you think you cant make the turn then don't go no matter how many people honk at you, Your decision to cross it the line and wait when its clear but the light is changing or about to change is a controversial one and I think it depends on the driver in that position. Had it been me, then I would have stayed put.

Norman_Castle

Deastons wrote: »

But, on this occasion, I could see the road was clear, so I could legally have crossed? When the guy behind beeped (and beeped and beeeeeped) I considered it, but I wasn't sure enough.

Assuming you're not blocking the junction its safer to wait.

NBLondon

Deastons wrote: »

Which begs the question: Why does the gap between the stop line and the box junction exist if not to facilitate drivers crossing the junction when the lights are on red?

I would have guessed for exactly the situation you were in - to allow a car to pause before entering the box because their exit wasn't clear.

But, on this occasion, I could see the road was clear, so I could legally have crossed?

What façade said... If you had already crossed the stop line on green - you are OK on that point as long as it is safe i.e. nobody is jumping the gun from another direction.

When the guy behind beeped (and beeped and beeeeeped) I considered it, but I wasn't sure enough.

The guy behind doesn't get to decide if it's safe - you do...

Mercdriver

The thing is that you can't be sure that the rear part of your car has passed the line and any sensors for red light cameras...I've been in a similar situation, and if in doubt, I stay put.

sevenhills

facade wrote: »

The red-light offence is if any part of your vehicle (including overhanging bumper/towbar etc) crosses the stopline on red.

Are you sure? If they put cameras at many busy junctions, they would get loads.
I personally think we should have more red light cameras, it would help make the roads safer.

facade

I'm sure.
Although actually it is an offence to cross the line on amber, but there is a statutory defence of "unsafe to stop", this doesn't apply for red lights. Enforcement usually starts a couple of seconds after the red, the crafty camera is in speed mode until then, to catch people flooring it to "just get across"

I generally stamp the brake into the floor if the light goes amber, unless I can reach out of the window and touch the light I won't make it across.

Try this-

Approach you favourite lights at 30 and when you get to the point at which you are absolutely sure you won't be able to stop before the line, start counting "one-hundred-and-one, one-hundred-and-two, one hundred-and-three", and you won't have crossed the line.

Most people (me included) are useless at predicting whether they can get across on amber. (the amber phase is 3 seconds)

Marvel1

What was the driver behind planning to do if you went, jump a red light?

I remember once I stopped on a green light, I could hear sirens, can't see vehicles from the left due to buildings. Taxi behind beeping, I waited, a fire engine then come from the left, taxi driver waved if to say sorry.

tenchy

sevenhills wrote: »

Are you sure? If they put cameras at many busy junctions, they would get loads.
I personally think we should have more red light cameras, it would help make the roads safer.

Source? I actually think the opposite, though I admit I've no source for it. Arguably red light cameras are a hazard. If you know they are in place you'll lock the wheels up if the lights change as you're approaching them, rather than risk being caught. it could well be dangerous to do so.