During heavy traffic jams, drivers try to move forward without stopping. But they get stuck in the middle of the intersection. This has become a common sight in downtown Toronto.
This situation is called box blocking or blocking the box. This situation occurs when cars get stuck in an intersection or box junction. But they cannot get out until the traffic lights or traffic conditions change. As a result, cars are often stuck in the intersection, which hinders traffic flow and worsens the traffic situation.
Earlier this year, Toronto’s city council approved a proposal asking the province to implement higher fines. That is, it asked for permission to increase the fine for illegal parking at intersections from $85 to $450. It also asked for permission to increase the fine for illegal parking at intersections in community safety zones from $120 to $500.
The increase in fines is intended to discourage drivers from blocking the box. The Toronto Police Service (TPS) explains, “Our goal is to keep the city moving. But the problem is when you know that stopping here is an offense and you still commit another offense.”
Some drivers are caught in an unintended choice. For example, when the light is green, there is no room to move forward in either lane. But when the light is red, the opposite lane is full of traffic. I feel sorry for the drivers who are caught in this situation. They are doing the right thing. But unfortunately, they are being punished for doing it.
