Transport bosses are urging motorists to pay attention to the rules at yellow box junctions because they are blocking trams.
A video clip has been released by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) showing motorists blocking yellow box junctions at different locations across Manchester city centre, including behind Piccadilly station.
TfGM chiefs say drivers are regularly blocking trams and other vehicles by driving into yellow box junctions.
They said motorists 'putting themselves and other road users in unnecessary danger'.
According to The Highway Code, drivers should not enter a yellow box junction unless their exit is clear.
The footage shows people are ignoring the rules and waiting in the junction.
Manchester council and TfGM are seeking powers from central government to give them powers to prosecute drivers blocking junction.
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Only police are currently able to enforce the law.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s head of highways, said: “Over the summer, we’ve experienced a 10 per cent reduction in the number of vehicles on our roads meaning quicker and more reliable journeys.
"However, with the summer break coming to an end we’ll soon see thousands of motorists returning to them in the next few weeks.
“Congestion is an ongoing issue across Greater Manchester and while it may feel like one car won’t make a difference, the knock-on effects of blocked junctions can really impact the flow of traffic and create a ripple effect to surrounding traffic which is amplified at peak times.
“We understand that it can be difficult to judge space available with moving traffic, especially when motorists are in a rush, but it’s vital that these junctions are used in the correct manner.
“It’s clear that the majority of drivers do pay attention to the rules of the road, however, the actions of those that don’t could have implications for everyone else.
"Yellow box junctions are usually located in high risk junctions as a measure to keep road users safe, so our advice is if it’s not obvious that your exit is fully clear, hang back and don’t risk getting stuck.
“We are currently calling on government to give us more power to enforce penalties on traffic offenders, so we’re encouraging motorists to adhere to the principles of the junctions now.”
