Box blocking is a problem in Toronto. Why it might be hard to solve

It’s become a common sight in downtown Toronto, especially during traffic jams; a driver attempts to run a red light while bumper to bumper, only to find himself stuck in the middle of an intersection.

This is called a “box jam” or “box blockage.” It occurs when vehicles enter an intersection or box intersection but are unable to proceed through it before the red light or traffic conditions change. This often results in cars getting stuck in the intersection, obstructing traffic and worsening congestion.

Earlier this year, Toronto City Council has approved a motion who urged the province to implement higher fines that would see them increase from $85 for stopping improperly at an intersection to $450 and increase the fine for stopping improperly at an intersection in a community safety zone from $120 to $500.

While these hefty fines should deter drivers from attempting to “block the box,” the Toronto Police Service (TPS) says implementing these violations in the heat of the moment has its drawbacks.

“Our goal is to keep traffic moving through the city. The problem is when you stop a vehicle that you’ve identified as having committed this violation, you’re actually blocking the roadway once again,” said Sergeant Murray Campbell of TPS Traffic Services.

Sgt Campbell also acknowledged that some drivers find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. He gave the example of a situation where the lane in front of them is empty when the light is green and when the light is red, any empty space is filled by oncoming traffic.

“I feel sorry for them; they’re doing the right thing and unfortunately they’re being punished for doing that,” Sgt. Campbell said.

An alternative to higher fines for ‘box blocking’

TPS Traffic Services advises that to avoid “box jamming,” drivers should do their best to wait outside the intersection until they can completely clear it before entering.

Jess Spieker from Friends and Families for Safe Streets He advocates automated enforcement of the rules and says it is frightening for pedestrians to have to go around a broken-down vehicle.

“I think the decision to increase fines is a good thing, but I don’t understand why we don’t move forward with camera enforcement,” Spieker said.

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“(Blocking boxes) forces people off the sidewalk or cyclists off the bike lane; it’s dangerous. We have speed cameras and red light cameras. We could have cameras to block intersections, parking in bike lanes and parking on the sidewalk.”

Chris Klimek with the Stop100.ca Drivers Association called the willingness to risk blocking the box “terrible behaviour that is already contributing to congestion on the road network”, but said he is against fines and would prefer drivers to be familiar with them. the problem.

“If drivers aren’t educated, it’s hard to expect them to comply with certain behaviors if they don’t even know what they’re doing could cause a dangerous situation on the road,” Klimek said, adding that he would prefer to see officers on the scene directing the flow of traffic.

“The police should be used much more frequently than they are currently to manage traffic in Toronto.”

Both the lawyers and Sergeant Campbell agreed.

“I’ve also had experience with traffic cops, who can make intersections work much better, but again, it takes time and effort on the part of a human being,” Spieker said.

Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie released a statement to CityNews saying a report is expected from city staff on the possibility of increasing fines further or the feasibility of automated enforcement.