Drivers across UK are being highlighted of a change coming to 'yellow box junctions' where a new system could cause 'confusion' according to the RAC.
Yellow box junctions were created to prevent congestion and keep traffic flowing safely.
Councils in England will soon be able to dish out fees for 'misusing' a yellow box. The Government will give councils that apply for powers the right to issue penalty charge notices from June 1.
But drivers might not even realise the same powers are already in place in Wales.
The rules of the Highway Code state motorists are not allowed to enter a yellow box unless the exit is clear and there is enough space on the other side of the junction for the vehicle to clear the box completely without stopping.
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Local Welsh authorities can already apply to Welsh Government to apply the fine with England now choosing to follow suit. Similar rules also apply to bus lanes where fines can be enforced if the driver is found to be obstructing the lane.
But the RAC is warning that the new system could cause 'confusion'. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "In the absence of definitive guidance on the design, maintenance and enforcement of box junctions, there will be a high degree of confusion among drivers and local authorities.
"It could lead to an avalanche of penalty charge notices being wrongly issued and then having to be appealed. This will inevitably lead to an unnecessarily high number of appeals for local authorities to review, as well as some poor outcomes for drivers.
"We have written to the Department for Transport asking them to update the guidance to make it clear to local authorities what the minimum standard for design and condition of a box junction should be before letting enforcement begin. However, they are adamant the present guidance is sufficient."
Motorists are not allowed to stop in them and those caught (usually through traffic cameras) can already be fined in some areas. Rules can be found in the Highway Code Rule 174.
It states: "You must not enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right. At signalled roundabouts, you must not enter the box unless you can cross over it completely without stopping."
The rules have been subject to criticism following England's decision to roll out similar rules across the country, motorists can encounter a number of issues that could see them receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Temporary roadworks/lights, random large vehicles in the way, stationary cars and errant pedestrians are all probable causes that could leave you with a fine.
The rules are already present within Wales but to the discretion of local authorities, you can view the Welsh Government's guidance surrounding enforcement of bus lanes and moving traffic here.
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