By Kevin Coughlin -

The traffic signal may say go. But motorists better take a good long look before proceeding into any Morristown intersection.

“Block the box,” and it could cost you $250.

On Tuesday, the town council voted 6-0 (Council President Toshiba Foster was absent) to amend its traffic laws to prohibit any vehicle from entering an intersection “unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection to accommodate the vehicle…without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic-control signal indication to proceed.”

The measure’s stated intention is to minimize gridlock and reduce danger to people in crosswalks. At least three pedestrians using crosswalks have been struck by vehicles since April.

Intersections will get new “Don’t Block the Box” signs and striping, according to the ordinance.

Violators of the new law will face minimum fines of $250.

Councilman Stefan Armington also asked the administration to study eliminating right turns at red lights for congested intersections such as Early Street / Speedwell Avenue and South and Elm streets.