Police are calling on all road users to play their part in maintaining traffic flow and ensuring yellow box junctions remain clear throughout the Christmas period.

The reminder comes as police prepare to support colleagues in the Department for Infrastructure in the campaign to #KeepBelfastMoving.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stressed that blocking these junctions dramatically adds to congestion and poses a heightened risk to pedestrians attempting to cross. PSNI patrol officers who observe drivers committing the offence of blocking a yellow box junction will initially engage with motorists, explaining the nature of the offence and its consequences to encourage compliance.

However, the police warned that where this guidance is ignored, enforcement will be the appropriate response. The current penalty for breaching a yellow box junction is a fine. Furthermore, the police reminded drivers that stopping within the limits of a pedestrian crossing is an endorsable offence, carrying a fine and three penalty points. Additional fines also exist for the unlawful use of bus lanes and violating traffic signs.