Cycle boxes — or, to use their proper name, Advanced Stop Lines (ASL) — allow cyclists to safely move to the front of traffic at junctions and are common in urban areas.
But motorists entering the boxes could face three penalty points and a £100 fine, particularly if they are seen to be creeping into the box while the lights are red.
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The warning comes after Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy recently called for an end of the “cyclists vs motorists” mentality in towns and cities across the UK in a bid to improve road safety.
Stopping in a cycle box is only permitted if it means motorists avoid dangerously slamming on their brakes or jumping the red light, both of which could lead to accidents.
READ MORE: Drivers face new fines for getting too close to cyclists & cycling funding boost
Drivers are advised to view cycle boxes as if they were yellow box-junctions, and not to enter them if their exit is blocked so as to avoid becoming stranded in the box.
Rule 178 of the Highway Code states: "Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked.
"If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area.”
Sir Chris Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medallist, warned that lives are at risk if behaviour didn’t change, and said that both sides need to have a better understanding of each other’s needs.
SEE ALSO: 16 Highway Code rules you shouldn’t ignore & PM urges drivers to be courteous towards cyclists as ‘cycling and walking revolution’ kicks off
He said: “People's lives are at risk and it’s time to stop having a them versus us mentality. In reality, most cyclists drive and vice versa. We have to try and put ourselves in the shoes of another person.”
Respecting cycle boxes is one small thing that motorists can do to help keep cyclists safe on the road, with the Highway Code stating that motorists should “allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows”.
READ: Lorry driver jailed for killing cyclist hidden by cluttered dashboard
Copyright Press Association 2018. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
Did you know, you can get fined for moving out of the way of an ambulance?
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