Drivers in Bolton could face fines for entering yellow box junctions incorrectly as Town Hall chiefs consider applying for new powers.

A change in the rules could see motorists hit by new fines of up to £130 as local authorities across England apply for the power to penalise motorists for using “yellow boxes” incorrectly.

Bolton Council is considering going down this route and if it gets the green light officers can issues fines from June 1.

Finable offences will include an illegal turn or driving the wrong way down a one-way street, with penalties going up to £130 or halved to £65 if they are paid within two weeks.

A council spokesperson said: “Bolton Council is looking at the options for moving traffic offence enforcement, including yellow box junctions, and are currently monitoring some sites.”

Nationally drivers are being warned to expect an “avalanche” of fines as councils across England will soon be able to enforce yellow box junctions.

The RAC claimed many motorists will be unfairly punished unless the Government improves its design, maintenance and enforcement guidelines for local authorities.

As it stands, the police are responsible for fining people in these cases, but thanks to changes that begin this month, 300 council across England will be able to apply to the Department for Transport for the power to give out their own penalties.

London and Cardiff already have these powers and in London this has seen 76,977 fines for yellow box junction offences in 2020 alone.

The Department for Transport hopes that by expanding the ways people can be fined, they will encourage more people to walk or cycle rather than drive.

Yellow boxes are used to ensure traffic flows smoothly through busy junctions and motorists should only enter them when their exit is clear or they are waiting to turn right.

But motoring groups fear that unclear guidance from the government could lead to local councils fining people unfairly.

They are also concerned that this does not  take account of how people can end up stopping in yellow boxes without it being their fault.

RAC’s head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “It’s absolutely crucial that yellow box junctions are enforced fairly and, as things stand, this may not be the case, which will mean many drivers will be treated poorly and lose out financially as a result.

He added: “We are worried that failing to update guidance to include the lessons learnt from more than 15 years of enforcement in London will lead to countless wrong fines being issued, no end of unnecessary stress for drivers who feel they have been unfairly treated and thousands of wasted council hours investigating appeals.”

A DfT spokeswoman said: “These new powers are designed to improve cycle safety, air quality and support of bus services.

“It’s for local authorities to enforce them and ensure they meet local needs.”