Thurrock Council

07/19/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/19/2024 05:11

New powers will help keep Thurrock moving

Thurrock Council will use new powers to help stop drivers blocking the M25 Junction 31 roundabout.

The new powers mean that the council can fine drivers who block yellow box junctions at the Purfleet Interchange. Blocked junctions can cause significant traffic congestion throughout the Thurrock, as local traffic cannot get through when the M25 is blocked.

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.

Cllr 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.

"The six month warning period will allow drivers to get used to the changes before they are fined. However, repeat offenders in this period will be fined for second and subsequent offences.

"We want to make sure our roads are clearer, cleaner and safer. We do not want to see the kind of gridlock we have had to endure on our local roads in the past because of traffic issues on the M25."

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.

More information can be found on the Thurrock Council website Enforcement of traffic offences webpage.