Traffic lights and box junctions

A_Lert

In this situation, even though I'm past the stop line, I would still wait at the red light!

I routinely encounter a similar situation when waiting to turn right in queuing traffic. There's the stop line, the pedestrian crossing, and then a couple of car lengths space before you're "properly" in the (non-box) junction. It's quite common that I'll pass the stop line on green in a queue of cars, but I'm not able to complete my turn before the light goes red and the conflicting traffic starts moving, so I have to wait another cycle.

DoaM

     

MinuteNoodles

Supersonos said:

So if the light is green and you pass through the stop line, but then don't enter the box because your exit isn't clear, what should you do if the light goes red and your exit then clears?  I'm over the stop line, so the red light no longer applies to me, correct?  So can I continue across (assuming it's clear)?

Green does not mean go regardless. Green means "only go if your exit is clear." It isn't clear therefore you don't cross the stop line. Simples. 

Mercdriver

You don't get stuck in the middle if you know how to use box junctions by not entering them until the exit is clear (or if turning right, which is the only exclusion to them).  I live in a small town, but do know how to use them.  Perhaps because I drive in London fairly frequently, and have encountered the so called cashpoint junction.

Car_54

MinuteNoodles said:

Supersonos said:

So if the light is green and you pass through the stop line, but then don't enter the box because your exit isn't clear, what should you do if the light goes red and your exit then clears?  I'm over the stop line, so the red light no longer applies to me, correct?  So can I continue across (assuming it's clear)?

Green does not mean go regardless. Green means "only go if your exit is clear." It isn't clear therefore you don't cross the stop line. Simples. 

That is not what the Highway Code says - there is no mention of exits.

The relevant law is "... the green signal shall indicate that vehicular traffic may proceed beyond the stop line and proceed straight on or to the left or to the right".

AdrianC

Mercdriver said:

I drive in London fairly frequently, and have encountered the so called cashpoint junction.

No such thing.

All there are are junctions with a lot of selfish, impatient muppets blaming everybody else for their inability to read the road and watch what traffic and signage around them's doing.

Mercdriver

AdrianC said:

Mercdriver said:

I drive in London fairly frequently, and have encountered the so called cashpoint junction.

No such thing.

All there are are junctions with a lot of selfish, impatient muppets blaming everybody else for their inability to read the road and watch what traffic and signage around them's doing.

I know.  I have been through that junction dozens of times without being caught out.

Mercdriver

AdrianC said:

Mercdriver said:

I drive in London fairly frequently, and have encountered the so called cashpoint junction.

No such thing.

All there are are junctions with a lot of selfish, impatient muppets blaming everybody else for their inability to read the road and watch what traffic and signage around them's doing.

Often people get caught out because of the impatient pressuring them from behind, and not being resolute enough to hold their ground.  I had one of the impatient idiots behind me on the M4 yesterday who expected me to just get out of his way when I had nowhere to go and then when I did have space decided it was a good idea to brakecheck me after.  

Barny1979

In terms of yellow box junctions, these are prescriptive, but were relaxed in TSRGD 2016: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/523916/DfT-circular-01-2016.pdf

sweetsand

onlyfoolsandparking said:

sweetsand said:

Dear OP
Some will never understand as possilby they don't drive or live in a quiet part of the UK
You made a very vlaid point one that coucils make money from in many cases.
No matter what some have said, it is easier said than doen especially in high density traffic areasa. important to note that some box junctions are poorly laid out and there to make money for the coucil or whoever the fines go to by training their cctv on the box junction. We dread those junctions, are advance drivers but people will push in on amber and on red at times elaving you stuck in the middle. Thanfully it's only happened once and no cctv but we avoid one on our way to family's home.

Another excellent post, thank you for that. I know a couple of advanced drivers and they too avoid box junctions, one told me 'just not worth it' getting stuck in the middle by someone pushing in, how awful! you were very very lucky that it only happened once. ATB 

Are you saying that being an advanced driver, one is not allowed to avoid a very poorly laid out box junction that is there and there only to catch out thousands of motorists a year.  IMHO, you forget as possibly you are not an advanced driver that an advanced driver like me is taught to assess and risk assess every scenario then tackle it at what is deemed in the safest manner and if the risk assessment declares that the risk will be reduced if you take alternative steps, then this is what I as an advanced driver does, it is honestly as simple as that. Anticipating driver behaviour and road conditions.

If you want to be a better driver may I suggest you take advanced driving lessons and test, worht the money IMHO
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