Kentish Express Ashford & District
No drivers prosecuted in 12-month period for blocking box junctions
No notices have been issued to drivers who have blocked box junctions in Ashford during a 12 month period.
Police have confirmed that no drivers have been penalised for stopping in box junctions in Ashford between December 1, 2015 and December 30, 2016.
The information follows a Freedom of Information request to Kent Police by the Kentish Express.
The request specifically asked about notices issued to motorists at the box junctions at the Edinburgh Road and Somerset Road junction, the North Street and Somerset Road junction and the Park Street and Wellesley Road junction.
Charlotte Woolsey, Senior Freedom of Information administrator, wrote: “Between 1 December, 2015 and 30 November, 2016 no notices have been issued by Kent Police to drivers for stopping in the box junctions at the locations specified.
“Therefore Kent Police holds no information in relation to your request.
“Please note that data may be subject to change if any notices have been recently issued and are waiting to be processed.”
The online Highway Code on box junctions states in rule 174: “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.
“At signalled roundabouts you MUST NOT enter the box unless you can cross over it completely without stopping.”
District commander for Ashford, Ch Insp Ken Elmes has urged drivers to adhere to the code: “We ask that every motorist plays their part in keeping our roads safe by complying with road signs and markings and driving sensibly.
“The Highway Code, which every motorist is expected to learn, has clear rules on how to use a box junction.
“Adhering to these rules will help traffic flow and also reduce the risk of injury to those using the road.
“As part of their duties, if patrols see traffic offences being committed then they will be dealt with appropriately.
“Footage of suspected offences if provided will be reviewed accordingly.
“Enforcement operations which include road safety aspects are carried out on roads where concerns have been raised although such activities need to be prioritised against operational policing demands.
“The siting of fixed cameras, deployment of safety camera vans or longer term road planning measures remain the responsibility of the Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership and highways authorities.”
A Kent County Council spokesman said: “We are unable to enforce yellow box junctions as the legislation has not been enacted by the government.
“Under part six of the Traffic Management Act, the government can give councils the power to issue fines for offences such as such as stopping in yellow boxes.
“Whilst police have powers to deal with contraventions, local authorities do not.”
For more information on the Highway Code, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/thehighway-code
What do you think of box junctions in Ashford? Email us at kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk
‘Footage of suspected offences if provided will be reviewed accordingly’