Toronto police are cracking down on drivers who ‘block the box’ following major increase in fines- NOW Toronto

The TPS announcement comes after the city  increased penalties significantly for drivers blocking intersections last month. Fines have increased from $90 to $450 at most intersections, while fines in designated community safety zones have increased from $120 to $500.

“When you block the box, you’re creating an unsafe environment on the road for everyone – motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians – while also adding to congestion and gridlock,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said in a release.

 “Our officers, in collaboration with the City of Toronto, will emphasize education and enforcement of these infractions to ensure safer and smoother transit for all road users.”

Police in the Toronto Police Service Traffic Service Motor Squad will be focused on major intersections across Toronto, targeting peak traffic hours in the city. 

The city has installed new signs at major intersections that warn drivers of the increased fines and enforcement.

To avoid causing additional traffic jams, during enforcement, police will wear body cameras to catch infractions, then lead drivers to a nearby parking spot or side street to issue tickets. 

TORONTONIANS SOUND OFF ON ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN

Following the announcement, people in Toronto have taken to social media to share their thoughts. Many people are skeptical that the increased enforcement plan will work, saying they have yet to see officers enforce the laws surrounding blocking intersections. 

“I’ve not seen a single ticket issued and I’m walking these streets every day. I see people blocking the box constantly. NOBODY ANYWHERE stops them. Nobody patrols traffic in this city,” wrote an X user. 

“We need a Good Samaritan act/law of sorts. Let people send their dashcam footage to the city or OPP and ticket these drivers like they do with speeding cameras,” one person suggested on Reddit. “Sure the licenses won’t get taken away, but it will hit their pockets at least.”

“When cops are at intersections in Toronto I see them yelling at pedestrians and that is it. Never once in my life have I seen a driver pulled over at an intersection, despite an infraction occurring during most light cycles downtown all day every day.”

While others feel there are other factors at play. 

“How about less traffic lights. Can’t drive 20 seconds without stopping at one. Sometimes getting stuck “ in the box “ is unavoidable,” one person wrote on X.

“Tell streetcar drivers to go through the intersection faster than 10 kph,” wrote another person.  

And others are hopeful that the fines will help. 

“It’s about time. This problem has been going on for years. Say what you will, Olivia Chow listens and implements things that make sense,” one person said on Reddit. 

“If they actually enforce this it would actually improve traffic unlike removing bike lanes,” someone commented on Reddit. 

“I was in an Uber that got nailed by this a few weeks back. They need to do the same for right-turning drivers as well, though. As soon as room opens up, they cram themselves in and don’t allow cross traffic to get through the intersection.”