January 21, 2009

Wright says 'don't block the box'

Hoping to relieve one possible source of traffic congestion, state Rep. Chris Wright this week introduced proposed legialtions to prohibit drivers from entering an intersection "unless they can drive completely through" without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians.
The idea of the measure is to ban "blocking the box" within an intersection, which happens when cars and trucks that can't move forward wind up barring drivers going the other way from moving at all.
Wright's measure is before the transportation committee now.
He has said the idea would be especially helpful in preventing tie-ups at the junction of Stafford and Farmington avenues.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great idea. We should then have a law to prevent people from driving too fast or running reds lights or driving while talking on their cell phones.

I think this should really help driving down Rt 6 at rush hour. Especially when the police would have all of the offenders pulled to the shoulder of a two lane road.

Someone should inform Mr. Wright you can't legislate stupidity, but you can legislate stupidly.

Anonymous said...

IMPEACH WRIGHT NOW!

Anonymous said...

this would only lead to longer lines of backed up traffic in the roadways waiting to enter the intersection.

Anonymous said...

Who will enforce this? NO ONE!

Anonymous said...

didn't ward give the state a new plan to fix this interesection and a lot of route 6?

Chele76 said...

I think this is a good idea. It's common sence to not enter an intersation when you know that you can't fit in. It's common sence to not talk on the cell and not run red lights, but those ARE laws now. Just as this should be a law as well. No - you won't see dozens of police cars pulling people over for this offence. But you will see people being finally being able to get onto busy roads such as route 6 wihtout having to wait for the signal to change 5 times. Try to exit the Price Chopper lot where the light is, around 5pm. I guarentee you will see three to four light changes because everyone blocks the box. Traffic just can't get out of the lot. period. Many other towns have this law - I think it would be about time for Bristol to finally have it.

Anonymous said...

How about fixing the road, so it can handle the volume of traffic on it. Let's pass another law that is un-enforceable like the cell phone ban.

isn't there a huge budget deficit at the state level? Any ideas on how to fix that MR Wright?? Don't you have the degree in Economics?? What a joke!!!

Anonymous said...

When are people going to be pulled over for talking on cell phones? One law at a time, and if you're not going to enforce it, then repeal it.

Anonymous said...

If you want to fix Route 6 then widen it. That, or better zoning, are the only things to fix it. It's too late for zoning!

The police have better things to be doing than writing tickets to people because of some stupid, imaginary box.

Anonymous said...

This was proposed for Stafford Ave/Farmington Ave by many people in the past, including Art Ward and I think the City Planner about 2 years ago. Wright should give credit instead of grabbing headlines.

Steve Collins said...

Wright is not "grabbing headlines."
He never said a word to me about this legislation. I found it on the General Assembly's website.

Anonymous said...

Ya great idea. Then traffic can get all tied up when vilaors get pulled over on Rt 6/Stafford Ave. My vote is a bg fat NOOOOO

Concerned Constructive Conservative said...

No, Wright isn't grabbing headlines. Steve is making them for him.

Anonymous said...

No need, People are running the red light if they are in the middle of the intersection. Let's worry about the financial crisis instead of this nonsense!

Steve Collins said...

Concerned Conservative -- So you don't want me to report at all on the only piece of legislation that Wright is pursuing at the moment?

Concerned Constructive Conservative said...

Steve:

Please, you've been reporting everything Wright's done except his personal habits since the election started. We all know you're a partisan. Just spare us your denial.

Concerned Constructive Conservative said...

This is an idiotic piece of legislation. With the problems this state is having (and lack of action on them), all this silly law is going to do is waste time and the tax payers money (something liberals like Wright are adept at doing).

I agree...Wright is wrong.

Steve Collins said...

I invite anyone who thinks I'm obsessed with Chris Wright to look up what I've written about him on this blog, since every word of it is here.
Personally, I think Concerned Conservative has screws loose.

Steve Collins said...

You'll note, Concerned Conservative, that I gladly post my comment with my real name. I even put a picture on here, reluctantly. I'll stand by my words.
If anything, I'm being kind given the harsh and totally off-base comments that you routinely leave on this blog from early morning to late at night.

Concerned Constructive Conservative said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Concerned Constructive Conservative said...

Collins:
I'd like for you to elaborate on your claim of "off base" etc. in regards to my comments.

You're the one who is off base as far as I'm concerned.

Anonymous said...

Concerned Conservative has one of the more balanced views on this blog, and has always been polite. I can't believe the "screws loose" comment, while Mr. Phony bad mouths everyone with nonsensical statements and not a word is said (written).

Odin said...

Let's get back to Wright's bill. I haven't seen it yet, but other regions (New York City for example) have this law, so you can't say it's stupid. At worst it's not needed; at best it will improve the flow of traffic through intersections which reduces travel time and fuel consumption. Only a knee-jerk conservative would criticize Wright for taking this initiative.