The Union Fire Company No. 1 would like to thank the Borough of Oxford for painting “the box” at the intersection of Market St and Lincoln St, in the Borough of Oxford.

Vehicles blocking the intersection have continually resulted in delays for responding emergency personnel from the Union Fire Company.

What does it mean when I block the box?

When you block the box, you have entered an intersection when cars on the other side prevent you from making it all the way through. In the state of Pennsylvania, this is illegal. If your light turns red before you can get out the intersection, you are blocking cross traffic from moving forward. In other words, if you block the box, you are traffic!

Will I receive a Ticket for Blocking the Box?

The Pennsylvania vehicle Code states “No driver shall enter an intersection or a crosswalk or drive onto any railroad grade crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection, crosswalk or railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle operated without obstructing the passage of other vehicles, pedestrians or railroad trains notwithstanding any traffic-control signal indication to proceed.” Therefor you can receive a ticket for blocking the box.

What should I do to avoid blocking the box?

To avoid blocking the box, you should wait to enter an intersection until you are sure you can make it all the way through, in accordance with Pennsylvania law. Wait behind the stop bar, and look to see if the vehicles in front of you on the other side of the intersection have left enough room for you to make it through without stopping in the box.

What about if drivers behind me are honking and want me to go?

If you can’t clear an intersection, don’t enter it, period. Entering the intersection may stop those drivers from honking, but if cross traffic can’t get through because of you – those drivers will probably honk too.

Are there any dangers associated with blocking the box?

Yes! When cross traffic cannot get through, neither can emergency vehicles. Additionally, blocking the box can decrease the visibility to other travelers.

Well, I just don’t want to wait for another light cycle!

Everyone on Oxford roads are trying to get somewhere, whether that is home, work, school, or simply to meet up with friends and family. Be courteous to everyone’s trip, don’t block the box and we will all get to our destinations safely.