Andy Burnham wants Greater Manchester councils to enforce yellow box rules for drivers in an effort to keep roads moving.

The Highway Code says a motorist cannot enter a yellow box junction unless their exit is clear, or if they are waiting to turn right across traffic and their exit route is also clear.

Yellow box rules are usually enforced by the police outside of London, where councils hold responsibility to police the junctions. However, in recent years, councils have been able to take control of enforcement at specific yellow box junctions on a trial basis.

Manchester Council currently polices 'moving traffic contraventions' at seven intersections, including four yellow boxes on major roads like Oldham Road and Princess Parkway.

But the mayor wants to see powers expanded across Greater Manchester so traffic flows and buses keep to time, he told the UKREiiF conference in Leeds earlier this week.

(Image - Nub News)

He said: "We want more control of the road network like civil enforcement of yellow box junctions that London has had for decades. 

"They might seem small but they are not to us. The Bee Network will not work if we do not get roads right."

The LDRS understands Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with the government to make it easier for councils to take on the powers, as the current process is laborious and requires sign off from the Transport Secretary.

It's thought TfGM is seeking devolved power to authorise new junctions' enforcement in Greater Manchester, which also includes the power to implement 'lane rental' schemes for firms which dig up the road.

Manchester council announced plans to expand moving traffic contravention enforcement at another seven junctions. Salford council hopes to trial at five spots, and Trafford council polices two yellow boxes.

TfGM is also thought to be keen on installing more no-stopping red routes on key bus corridors in an effort to keep popular services on time. Trafford is the home to some red routes already, largely on Chester Road around Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium.

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