COLUMBIA, MO. -- Black Friday brought some extra traffic patrols near the Columbia Mall.

Officers with the Columbia Police Department’s Traffic Unit kept a close eye on Stadium Boulevard between Broadway and the highway.

Most of the traffic congestion occurred during the early morning hours as early bird shoppers searched for bargains.

Intersections along Stadium Boulevard have signs warning motorists, “Do Not Block Intersection”.

You can get a ticket if you enter an intersection without making it all the way through before the light turns red.

Columbia Police Officer Jessie Haden said, “A domino effect is created when people block the intersection.  The light turns green and the other drivers can’t get through.  They become inpatient and then they block the intersection.  That’s why we have to be out there to keep that from happening.”

Shoppers using Columbia’s Stadium Boulevard should expect to see extra traffic patrols every Friday and Saturday between now and Christmas weekend.