Drivers ‘blocking the box’ a problem on Mesa, police warn of $500 fine

Streets on the West Side continue to be plagued by traffic congestion as a result of construction along I-10 and Paisano.

El Paso Police have a message for drivers: Don’t block the box! Even with a green light, if the intersection ahead of you has not yet cleared, stop until it clears before you proceed.

“It adds to the frustration with people with all the construction,” said El Paso Police Department spokesman Sgt. Robert Gomez. “It’s just something that can be avoided if we just follow the rules of the road, follow the laws of the city and the state of Texas and be mindful that everybody has a place to go and we all want to get there timely.”

ABC-7 spotted several drivers breaking the law Wednesday morning at Mesa and Thunderbird.

Several drivers turning off Thunderbird onto Mesa with a green light decided to proceed before the intersection was clear. This caused a traffic backup on Mesa that compounded the problem once the light turned red and those on Mesa get a green.

ABC-7 even spotted a fire truck trying to get through the area this morning, getting caught in the intersection on a red light.

El Paso Police want to remind everyone, it’s against the law to block the intersection box. Drivers are required to stop, even if the light is green.

If drivers don’t stop and are spotted by law enforcement, they could receive a citation for up to $500.

While drivers may have to wait through another light cycle, it’s better than blocking traffic and feeling the wrath of angry drivers or getting a hefty ticket.