motorists who stop in the 'bike box' are very annoying

[redskittleorangeskittle]

By 'bike box' I mean the stopping space at the traffic lights which is indicated for cyclists. It's so annoying when cars stop in it.
I've seen this so many times when I've been out on my bike in the last few days - it makes it more difficult to wait and move off safely.

I just go infront of them every time.....even if it means I only have space to be perpendicular to the road and an inch in front of them. 😁

They’re breaking the law I believe as they will have crossed a solid line to enter the box.

Some do it on purpose. Some do it because they are crap drivers. Some do it because they don't realise the lights will change.

To be fair I'm more concerned about close passes and drivers who expect me to cycle in the gutter.

I really don't understand the point of the bike box.. doesn't it make it more dangerous for cyclists? Here they over/undertake at lights to get to the box but then when light goes green it's the same cars having to navigate past them at every light. So surely only adds to the risk, plus causes more irritation. Wouldn't it be safer for the slowest vehicles to be at the back rather then constantly repositioned at the front? In answer to your question though, cars shouldn't stop in it.

I go in front of them too. I think I read somewhere that you can photograph their number plates and report to the council and they'll check if they're repeat offenders, but I never have my phone out while cycling so just silently seethe and glare instead.

I'm a fairly new cyclist and find junctions and lights scary. The bike box really helps me to feel safe.
Yes - riding in the gutter is no fun, especially when it's been raining and I can't see the pot holes!

villamariavintrapp - if I was at the back I'd never get through the lights at all sometimes!

villamariavintrapp no it's safer to be in front when pulling off rather than in the gutter where cars might not see you. If you're at the front cars have to wait until it's safe to pass you.

I think I read somewhere that you can photograph their number plates and report to the council and they'll check if they're repeat offenders, but I never have my phone out while cycling so just silently seethe and glare instead.

No, since it's not an offence to stop in them, the offence is crossing the solid white line - you have to stop in them if the lights change between crossing the entry to them before you've crossed the exit. So a photo is not enough, you have to show the offence.