"Don't Block the Box" initiative begins in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The city of Austin and Austin police are trying to make traffic a little easier downtown.

On Monday they started a new initiative called "Don't Block the Box." They are asking drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to abide by the law and not block intersections.

During rush hour, APD will be at several intersections to make sure the law is not being broken.

If it is, they will ticket you.

The citations started Monday morning and so far they've given out 19 in three hours.

Police say blocking intersections only makes traffic worse and is a big safety issue.