Drivers in Reading have been given warning as enforcement of stopping in yellow box junctions is about to begin.

Reading Borough Council won the power to prosecute for moving traffic offences such as stopping in yellow box junctions from the government late last year.

The council has identified 15 yellow box junctions which it intends to enforce, meaning drivers who are caught breaking the rules in these roads will incur a fine.

The first two junctions where drivers will be fined has been revealed.

From Monday, February 20, drivers will be penalised for stopping in the boxes at the Kings Road junction with Eldon Road, and the Kings Road with Orts Road.

For six months, drivers will get one written warning informing them of a rule breach.

After that point, and if the same driver does breaks the rule again, they will incur a £70 penalty charge notice (PCN).

READ MORE: The 10 Reading bus lanes responsible for the most fines amid surge in penalties following pandemic years 

The PCN can be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

These are the first locations of 15 that will have yellow box junctions, with enforcement in all locations due to go live by Autumn 2023.

It includes the notorious London Road junction with Erleigh Road.

Enforcement of stopping at yellow box junctions was opposed by the AA following a consultation.

The AA argued that drivers are often issued PCNs unnecessarily and without just cause.

READ MORE: The AA objects to Reading move to fine drivers for stopping in yellow box junctions

However, the measure was welcomed by councillors from all parties on its  strategic environment, planning and transport committee on November 16, 2022.

Advocating yellow box enforcement, Tony Page (Labour, Abbey), lead councillor for transport, said: “The illegal blocking of yellow box junctions has a major impact in Reading.

“Aside from the obvious delays for all road users, it endangers pedestrians and contributes to poor air quality for local residents living in the vicinity of these junctions.

“Having successfully applied to Government to use the powers, which it should be noted have been utilised by London local authorities for many years, the Council is now giving notice of the first two junctions which will be enforced in Reading, which are a few yards apart on the busy Kings Road.”

He added the six month warning period ensures drivers have “as much notice as possible” before fines are issued, and that all revenues raised can only be reinvested in transport or highways improvements in Reading.

The council will also punish other moving traffic offences such as driving through ‘no entry’ signs, making banned turns or driving in unauthorised places.

As  a reminder, here is the full list of box junctions that enforcement will take place at by Autumn 2023:

  1. Junction of London Street with Queen’s Road
  2. Junction of Oxford Road with Bedford Road
  3. Junction of Oxford Road with Grovelands Road
  4. Junction of Church Street with Church Road Northbound / Junction of Church Street with Church Road Southbound
  5. Junction Southampton Street with Oracle Gyratory / A329 slip road junction with the Oracle Gyratory / Junction of Bridge Street with Oracle Gyratory
  6. Junction of London Road with Eldon Road and Craven Road
  7. Junction of Queens Road and Sidmouth Street
  8. Junction of Kings Road with Orts Road / Junction of Kings Road with Eldon Road
  9. Junction of Wokingham Road with London Road
  10. Junction of London Road with Chomeley Road (South West bound) / Junction of London Road with Chomeley Road (North East bound)
  11. Junction of London Road with Kendrick Road
  12. Junction of A33 and Rose Kiln Lane (North bound) / Junction of A33 and Rose Kiln Lane (South bound)
  13. Junction of Bath Road and Berkeley Avenue (West bound) / Junction of Bath Road and Berkeley Avenue (East bound)
  14. Junction Bath Road and Burghfield Road (Westbound) / Junction Bath Rod and Burghfield Road (Eastbound)
  15. Junction of A329 and the A33 (East bound) / Junction of A329 and the A33 (North East bound)