Drivers fined £1MILLION last year for one type of road traffic offence after councils were given new powers to extend the war on motorists
Motorists last year were fined almost £1million for one type of road traffic offence that's only been enforced outside of London and Cardiff for the last three years under new rules to extend the war on drivers.
A staggering £998,640 of penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued to drivers in 2024 for one specific infringement.
Local authorities hit them with penalty charges for breaching rules at just 36 different yellow box junctions across England.
It comes after the Government in May 2022 allowed councils to apply for the right to enforce this type of moving traffic offence, essentially giving power to local authorities to treat motorists like cash cows.
It includes taking over enforcement powers from police for a number of different moving traffic violations, such as ignoring no entry signs and driving in designated cycle lanes.
The RAC, which obtained the statistics through Freedom of Information requests, said the 'enormously high number' of PCNs should 'send alarm bells ringing in council offices'.
Below is a list of the local authorities issuing the most yellow box junction fines. Click the links to see where these box junctions are located.
Yellow boxes are used in an attempt to ensure traffic flows smoothly through busy junctions.
Motorists should not enter them unless their exit is clear or they are waiting to turn right.
London and Cardiff were the only parts of the UK where drivers could be fined for yellow box offences until the Government introduced new legislation in 2022, which enables all councils across England to apply for enforcement powers.
Data provided by English councils in response to FoI requests by the motoring organisation showed that just 36 yellow boxes outside London and Cardiff were enforced last year.
However, these locations triggered 32,748 PCNs.
Penalty charges for these types of infringements are generally £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Kent's Medway Council raised the second highest amount at £145,162 after handing out 4,433 PCNs for the five yellow boxes it enforced. Pictured: Yellow box at Rainham Road, junctions with Ash Tree Lane and Canterbury Street, Gillingham
The RAC analysis found Manchester City Council issued the most box junction-related PCNs, with 13,130 for six box junctions across its network.
This brought in £446,706 which was nearly half of all yellow box-related revenue outside London and Cardiff.
Kent's Medway Council raised the second highest amount at £145,162 after handing out 4,433 PCNs for the five yellow boxes it enforced.
It was followed by Buckinghamshire Council, which received £139,798 for 3,618 fines.
But the single junction that generated the largest revenue was at Dennis Roundabout in Guildford, Surrey, which cost drivers £81,445 as 4,250 PCNs were issued.
At the other end of the scale, Gloucestershire County Council issued just 30 yellow box PCNs, raising £945, while Leeds City Council handed out 50 fines, resulting in £605 being paid.
Only a fraction of yellow box fines are appealed by drivers, but the proportion of attempts that are successful can be as high as 87 per cent in the case of Medway Council.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said a yellow box which generates a small number of fines indicates it is 'working as it should', which must be the ambition for councils rather than using them as a 'revenue-raising opportunity'.
He went on: 'Very few people set out to deliberately flout the rules and get fined.
'The large number of penalties being dished out over a small number of locations and in a short space of time should send alarm bells ringing in council offices.
'It's vital box junctions are used in the correct places and are only as big as absolutely necessary.
'They must be fairly set up so that drivers don't find themselves stranded through no fault of their own.'
The Government in May 2022 allowed councils to apply for the right to enforce this type of moving traffic offence, essentially giving power to local authorities to treat motorists like cash cows
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said a yellow box should not be seen as a 'revenue-raising opportunity' for councils
Chartered engineer Sam Wright was commissioned by the RAC to analyse the 100 boxes across London and Cardiff which were responsible for generating the most fines in 2019.
A report published last year showed he found 98 were larger than necessary for their role in preventing queuing vehicles blocking the path of crossing traffic.
The average box was 50 per cent bigger than needed, according to the research.
The Local Government Association, Manchester City Council, Medway Council and Buckinghamshire Council have been approached for comment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Highway Code: Drivers risk £70 fine over yellow box mistake
The RAC has revealed that drivers were hit with hefty fines from yellow box junctions last year after councils were given new enforcement powers. It said the 'enormously high number' of penalty charge notices (PCNs) should 'send alarm bells ringing in council offices'. Drivers risk a £70 fine over yellow box mistake Yellow boxes are used in an attempt to ensure traffic flows smoothly through busy junctions. Motorists should not enter them unless their exit is clear or they are waiting to turn right. The RAC, which obtained the statistics through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests, revealed that drivers were fined nearly £1 million from just 36 yellow box junctions last year. London and Cardiff were the only parts of the UK where drivers could be fined for yellow box offences until the Government introduced new legislation in May 2022, which enables all councils across England to apply for enforcement powers. Data provided by English councils in response to FoI requests by the RAC showed 36 yellow boxes outside London and Cardiff were enforced last year. This led to a total of 32,748 PCNs issued, with drivers paying £998,640. PCNs are generally £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Only a fraction of yellow box fines are appealed against by drivers, with the highest proportion appealed being 18% in the Manchester City Council area. RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said a yellow box, which generates a small number of fines, indicates it is 'working as it should', which must be the ambition for councils rather than using them as a 'revenue-raising opportunity'. He went on: 'Very few people set out to deliberately flout the rules and get fined. 'The large number of penalties being dished out over a small number of locations and in a short space of time should send alarm bells ringing in council offices. 'It's vital box junctions are used in the correct places and are only as big as absolutely necessary. 'They must be fairly set up so that drivers don't find themselves stranded through no fault of their own.' 7 Common Speed Camera Myths A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: 'All councils follow guidance to ensure motorists are treated fairly. 'There are processes for appeal if anyone believes they have been unfairly fined.' Box junction rules explained A yellow box is painted on some roads with criss-cross lines in them, and sometimes it's fine to stop in them, but other times you should avoid them. As the TFL website explains, they are usually found at the junction of two or more roads and occasionally at roundabouts or outside fire and ambulance stations. A yellow box junction does not require any other signage. According to the government website, motorists must avoid entering the box until their exit road or lane is clear. However, you can enter the box and wait if you are turning right, and if the only reason you can't turn right yet is because of the oncoming traffic or other motorists also waiting to turn right. What does the Highway Code say about yellow box junctions? Box junctions are addressed in the road junctions section of the Highway Code. Drivers paid out £998,640 in box junction fines last year (Image: Getty Images) It reads: "Box junctions have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. "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." Recommended reading: If a box junction is not used correctly, you could end up with a fine, as cameras are in place at many box junctions. If you think you can prove that you didn't break the rules, you can appeal the fine. You can find out more about box junctions via the government and RAC websites.
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed For a Week: Here's My Review of this Gentleman's Plug-in Hybrid
Don't underestimate this posh Bentley At first, the Bentley Continental GT Speed might look like a typical high-end luxury car, but don't be fooled—it's secretly a supercar hiding in plain sight. On the surface, its classy looks might lead you to think it's designed just for smooth cruising; that's what I felt during my first drive out on the town. Source: James Ochoa Around town in EV mode, the Speed moves around like a ghost. Its hybrid powertrain acts like a car-sized invisibility cloak up until you reach a stoplight, where pedestrians and passersby in other cars can admire the car's looks and take pictures. But the moment you decide to let loose on the open road and push the gas, it's like flipping a switch that turns this cruiser into a supercar, as the twin-turbo V8 engine fires up and sends an adrenaline rush of 771 horsepower through all four wheels and pins you back in your seat. While silence might not be what most people think of when it comes to sports cars, I found it refreshing. Some people might see silence as weakness and think you're missing something if you're not making noise. However, the Bentley Continental GT Speed's silence shows some rare qualities of strength and self-control. In a world filled with flashy performance cars, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is a quiet, covert, two-faced cruiser concealing a rocket-like powertrain underneath the hood. Source: James Ochoa Bye-bye, big motor, hello hybrid Introduced in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT marked the start of a new era for the British brand after Volkswagen acquired it in 1998. Over the past two decades and four generations, the GT has remained a top seller, and the new Speed variant signifies the beginning of another exciting chapter for the model. The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed features a significant change under the hood: the old twin-turbo W12 engine is replaced by a new 'Ultra Performance Hybrid' powertrain, which combines a 584 horsepower four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor that produces 188 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. With the help of a 25.9 kWh battery pack under the trunk and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Speed produces a whopping 771 combined horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Bentley says the new powertrain is the most powerful it has ever built, making 20% more power than the previous W12-powered Speed. As a result, this nearly 5,500-pound machine can rocket to 60 miles per hour in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 208 miles per hour. Around town and in most low-speed situations, the Speed operates in 'EV Mode,' which is Bentley's subtle way of saying that the Conti is only riding on its electric motors. It navigates avenues and boulevards quietly and smoothly, almost like a ghost without the rumble and hum of a V8 or W12 engine in the background. Many performance car fans and thrill-seekers might think the lack of noise at low speeds is a downside, but it fits the Bentley vibe quite perfectly. It's the ultimate example of 'Quiet Luxury,' where the reduced sound from its electrified powertrain adds another layer atop its high-end comfort and craftsmanship, making the whole experience feel much more luxurious for everyone inside. Source: James Ochoa Feels like a cloud, handles like a supercar While the GT Speed is fast in a straight line and comfortable for everyday driving, it also offers an enjoyable experience on twisty roads. The Speed models come equipped with a long list of active chassis features, including an adaptive air suspension system with twin-valve dampers, rear-wheel steering, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and torque vectoring in its all-wheel-drive system. In my few days with the Continental GT Speed, I drove it extensively throughout North Jersey, as well as into the crowded and congested streets of New York City—places I feel are its normal stomping grounds. Throughout this time, the Continental's active suspension got to see roads of varying quality, including the pothole-ridden streets of Jersey City and Hoboken, the cobblestones of Manhattan's SoHo and Meatpacking District, and even the smoother strips of tarmac on the Jersey Turnpike; all of which felt as smooth as butter from the driver's seat. However, I found that where the Conti GT Speed feels at home is on a spirited drive traversing the two-lane twisties that run nearly parallel to the New York State Thruway. Here, I found that while the GT in Continental GT stood for Grand Touring, it has distinct sporting qualities and feels scarily nimble tackling the sweeping corners on challenging driving roads. For a car that seems so heavy on paper, the electronic gizmos make the feeling behind the steering wheel feel very light and responsive to the point where you can confidently 'point and shoot' it into the next corner. It doesn't feel the need to fight you in any way. The exterior The 2025 Continental GT Speed features revised styling that distinguishes it from earlier models. Although the body shape remains the same, the iconic Bentley quad headlights, side vents, and oval taillights have been replaced. Up front, the new design features circular headlights with a slight 'brow' detail that seems to split said circle into two, while out back, the tailights are in a more 'stretched-oval' shape split by the trunk lid. In addition, the Continental GT got some redesigned bumpers, a larger grille, and new wheel and trim options. I feel a bit disappointed that the quad headlights are gone; they gave the Continental GT that look, but I have gradually accepted the new design. A lounge on wheels But whether you are fighting at the limit on a sweeping, scenic road through the hills or fighting with your emotions in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the Continental GT Speed cocoons you in a cabin that is nothing short of blissfully serene. Much of the interior trim inside the new Continental carries over from the former model. Still, it isn't much of a compromise because everything that makes contact with your fingers feels like it is made for buyers with the highest standards. Save for key buttons on the steering wheel and the dashboard, very little plastic is used inside the cabin. Most touch surfaces inside the Bentley are lined with only leather or made of metal, whether it be the metal push-and-pull levers for their air vents, the leather sides of the center console, even the knurled metal knobs to adjust the temperature. The interior of the Continental GT Speed I drove was primarily finished in a black leather that Bentley calls Beluga, with some contrast pieces in a beige called Portland. The Speed also came with two-tone wood trim consisting of a very textural open-pore koa over a glossy piano-looking grand black, which I found to add a depth of warmth and class to a muted-feeling cabin. The Continental GT Speed I drove was equipped with the First Edition specification, which includes some special extras, including exclusive First Edition badging, First Edition treadplates, and First Edition embroidery on the headrests. Other snazzy goodies to set it apart from a regular Continental include Animated Welcome Lamps by Mulliner, the Front Seat Comfort Specification with postural adjustment and automatic climate control, an 18-speaker Naim for Bentley audio system, heads-up display, night vision, active lane assist, and predictive adaptive cruise control. My favorite feature inside was the Bentley Rotating Display, which came standard with the First Edition spec. It's a real party trick item. When the car is parked, the screen spins and hides away to reveal a panel of veneered wood to match the rest of the dash, only to spin the infotainment screen back to attention when the car starts. However, when you press the button on the dash labeled 'screen' when the car is on, the display spins to reveal analog dials that show the outside air temperature, a compass, and a stopwatch. Source: James Ochoa Final thoughts As tested, this 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition was $373,660, which includes destination charges. This car specifically had $67,410 of optional extras and personalization, the most expensive being the $39,940 charge for the First Edition specification. There are some caveats I want to address, most of which have to do with the fact that it's a plug-in hybrid. Bentley says that the EV mode is good for about 50 miles of pure-electric driving; however, in my experience, I found the car to eat up more of the battery since it automatically defaults to 'EV mode' at startup. In addition, I found that the battery slightly reduces trunk space. While the previous Continental GT had enough room for a few gym bags, the included plug-in charger must stay home to get the most out of the slightly smaller trunk. Source: James Ochoa This is a personal preference, but I find the use of Dinamica, Bentley's alcantara-like upholstery material, out of character for this kind of vehicle. Although it's virtually invisible in the pictures, it leans too hard into 'boy racer' territory and is not a particularly luxurious experience when you run your fingers through it. The Continental GT Speed may have a few smallish faults, but it still provides a unique driving experience through every conceivable metric while allowing you to relax in a comfy, well-bolstered chair that even massages you. Sure, a screaming Lamborghini or a track-ready Porsche may have the same amount of power and be flashy and cool. Still, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is a sports car that makes sense outside of a track or canyon-driving setting on the weekends and is livable for going about your weekdays. It's like comparing apples to oranges, brogues to trainers, matcha to espresso, or a Balenciaga tracksuit to a tailored Huntsman Saville Row suit. Manners maketh man; to me, the Bentley Continental GT Speed is the gentleman's hybrid sports car. Disclosure: Bentley offered James Ochoa the opportunity to experience the 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed First Edition and loaned the example he wrote about for six days with a fully-charged battery and a full tank of gas. About the Author James Ochoa View Profile
ITV News
5 hours ago
- ITV News
Drivers hit by yellow box fines worth almost £1m in year
Drivers were fined nearly £1 million from just 36 yellow box junctions last year after councils were given new enforcement powers, figures show. The RAC, which obtained the statistics through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests, said the 'enormously high number' of penalty charge notices (PCNs) should 'send alarm bells ringing in council offices'. Yellow boxes are used in an attempt to ensure traffic flows smoothly through busy junctions. Motorists should not enter them unless their exit is clear or they are waiting to turn right. London and Cardiff were the only parts of the UK where drivers could be fined for yellow box offences until the Government introduced new legislation in May 2022, which enables all councils across England to apply for enforcement powers. Data provided by English councils in response to FoI requests by the RAC showed 36 yellow boxes outside London and Cardiff were enforced last year. This led to a total of 32,748 PCNs issued, with drivers paying £998,640. PCNs are generally £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. The RAC analysis found Manchester City Council issued the most PCNs, with 13,130 in relation to six junctions. This brought in £446,706 which was nearly half of all yellow box-related revenue outside London and Cardiff. Kent's Medway Council raised the second highest amount at £145,162 after handing out 4,433 PCNs for the five yellow boxes it enforced. It was followed by Buckinghamshire Council, which received £139,798 for 3,618 fines. But the single junction that generated the largest revenue was at Dennis Roundabout in Guildford, Surrey, which cost drivers £81,445 as 4,250 PCNs were issued. At the other end of the scale, Gloucestershire County Council issued just 30 yellow box PCNs, raising £945, while Leeds City Council handed out 50 fines, resulting in £605 being paid. Only a fraction of yellow box fines are appealed against by drivers, with the highest proportion appealed being 18% in the Manchester City Council area. RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said a yellow box which generates a small number of fines indicates it is 'working as it should', which must be the ambition for councils rather than using them as a 'revenue-raising opportunity'. He went on: 'Very few people set out to deliberately flout the rules and get fined. 'The large number of penalties being dished out over a small number of locations and in a short space of time should send alarm bells ringing in council offices. 'It's vital box junctions are used in the correct places and are only as big as absolutely necessary. 'They must be fairly set up so that drivers don't find themselves stranded through no fault of their own.' Chartered engineer Sam Wright was commissioned by the RAC to analyse the 100 boxes across London and Cardiff which were responsible for generating the most fines in 2019. A report published last year showed he found 98 were larger than necessary for their role in preventing queuing vehicles blocking the path of crossing traffic. The average box was 50% bigger than needed, according to the research. Alex Paterson, Medway Council's portfolio holder for community safety, highways and enforcement, said its enforcement of yellow boxes is 'not about catching people out', adding that road markings were updated so 'nobody could reasonably claim not to have seen them'. Buckinghamshire Council deputy leader Thomas Broom said the area suffers from 'a lot of congestion' and the amount of yellow box fines issued 'directly relates to the number of people who commit these traffic offences'. A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: 'All councils follow guidance to ensure motorists are treated fairly. 'There are processes for appeal if anyone believes they have been unfairly fined.'
