Thurrock Council in Essex has been given new powers to fine drivers who block an M25 roundabout junction, handing out fines for drivers who block the yellow box junctions at the Purfleet Interchange, junction 31 of the motorway.

The council has been granted the powers to deal with the issue of blocked junctions which can cause significant traffic congestion throughout Thurrock, as local traffic cannot get through when the M25 is blocked, says EssexLive.

By law, for the first six months drivers will first receive a warning notice instead of a fine. They will only be fined during this period if they are found to have blocked the yellow box junction again.

Enforcement will be done through cameras with automatic number plate reading technology, additional signs at the roundabout will warn drivers that these cameras are in operation.

Victoria Holloway, Cabinet member for Place and the Environment said: “These new powers mean that we can take positive action to prevent vehicles from blocking junctions on Junction 31 and can help keep traffic moving in the borough. We have introduced this to stop drivers from creating gridlock by blocking box junctions, not to issue fines. That is why for the first six months first time offenders will receive a warning instead of a fine.

“All of us have seen how congestion on the M25 can spill over onto our local roads and, at its worst, creates gridlock across the borough, affecting residents and businesses and also increasing pollution levels. Now, we can use these powers to help us to educate drivers and stop them blocking the box junctions that are there to keep local traffic flowing.”

(Pic – Mapillary)