PSLPD crack down on drivers blocking busy intersections

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Port St. Lucie Police are cracking down on drivers causing big backups by sitting in the middle of busy intersections.

If you’ve been stuck at a light lately wondering why traffic isn’t moving, police say it’s probably because someone’s blocking the box – the intersection, or the space between the crosswalks.

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When drivers pull into that space and can’t clear it, they block oncoming traffic, which is why PSLPD say they’re cracking down.

Officers are seeing this happen in St. Lucie West along St. Lucie West Boulevard at Cashmiere, California and Peacock boulevards.

They want drivers to only enter intersections when they can make it through and clear the intersection without stopping and blocking it.

Police say it’s not only a bad habit, but also illegal.

“If you’re traveling, you have a green light, and you see traffic backing up, if you cannot clearly clear that intersection during that green light, you’re not supposed to enter the intersection,” said Master Sgt. Dominick Mesiti with the Port St. Lucie Police Department.

Officers are going to warn drivers about blocking the box over the next week. After that, you could face a fine of more than $100 and three points on your license.