City targets motorists who block intersections, fines jump from $90 to $450

Blocking the box is going to cost you a heck of a lot more.

Mayor Olivia Chow unveiled harsh new fines — increasing from $90 to $450 — for motorists who get stuck in and block intersections, an offence commonly known as “blocking the box.”

If the infraction happens in a community safety zone, the fine jumps from $120 to a whopping $500.

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While the city argued the large increase is needed to reduce traffic congestion, the new fines drew a lot of criticism.

“The problems are the removal of car lanes that are replaced by bike lanes!!!! I have nothing against bike lanes or cyclists, but if we are going to talk about congestion, then this ‘don’t block the box’ isn’t going to do it!!” commenter John Tzanetakis posted to the city’s X account.

Blocking the box happens when a driver enters an intersection on a green or amber signal when there is no reasonable prospect of being able to clear the intersection.

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The City is also rolling out new signs at key intersections in downtown Toronto where blocking the box is a major issue.

“More signage. Who is going to do the enforcement? The @TorontoPolice
are busy clearing roads every week due to out of control protestors. You have either lost control of the city with bad management, or chaos is what you are hoping for,” Rita@dempsterRita posted to the city’s X account.

Chow, meanwhile, insisted that the fines are needed, saying they target the “congestion that frustrates all road users.”

“Blocking the Box is a serious safety concern that puts vulnerable road users at risk and disrupts traffic flow,” said Mayor Olivia Chow in a statement.

The city is looking at using automated cameras to nab errant drivers who block intersections.

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