Yellow box junctions around Maidstone, Dartford and other towns in Kent may see automatic number plate recognition cameras installed, in an effort by Kent County Council to tackle traffic congestion.
Our reporter, Chloe Brewster, has been down to Dartford to talk to drivers.
00:00Kent County Council has launched a proposed crackdown on drivers illegally stopping in yellow box junctions across Kent.
00:06They say new automatic number plate recognition cameras could help ease congestion and respond to widespread abuse of traffic regulations.
00:13Here at junction 1A, just off the Dartford crossing, they're proposing four ANPR cameras to look over the yellow box junctions here.
00:20The council say it hopes that it will help clear up traffic in this area and help deter drivers from illegally stopping in the box junctions.
00:27But what do drivers in Dartford think of the move?
00:30What are your thoughts on that?
00:31Got a few tickets doing that much.
00:33It'll help if you're stuck in that traffic and trying to get round and roundabout, but it won't solve the congestion problem.
00:41If they didn't keep in the yellow boxes, people at the roundabout can go straight over.
00:45When you've been stuck in traffic for so long, you're trying to gain that extra yard.
00:48So, you know, you maybe just think you can and then you don't.
00:52Then you're like, please move forward, you know, get out of my way.
00:55You know, it's got to be a bit of common sense.
00:57You know, if you're the authority or whatever looking at it, you can see there's a lorry in front of you or a bus.
01:02You can kind of say, OK, then it was a mistake.
01:04But for people just sitting in the yellow box, then, yeah, you deserve to be fined.
01:09I do feel like these things are just a printing press for local councils and governments to make a little bit more money from, you know, your normal person.
01:18It's a road traffic offence to enter a yellow box when the exit is not clear, and flouting the rules can result in fines of £70.
01:25But it's not just Dartford.
01:27Box junctions at 10 sites in Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone and Fanet all could see new cameras installed.
01:32Justifying the proposed crackdown, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Peter Osborne, said,
01:39When drivers block yellow box junctions, it causes congestion and delays across local roads, disrupting daily journeys.
01:46We want to hear your views on our proposal to introduce camera enforcement at these junctions to help us make informed decisions that improve traffic flow and reduce delays for everyone.
01:56The consultation opened for public views on Monday and runs until February 3rd.
02:00You can share your views on the Let's Talk Kent County Council website now.
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