AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — In an effort to ease traffic jams in Austin, police have started cracking down on drivers who block intersections.

The Austin American-Statesman (http://atxne.ws/19ZUlCP ) reports that the crackdown started Monday. The effort includes increasing police presence at a handful of downtown intersections during peak travel hours in the morning and evening.

During Monday's morning rush hour, 19 citations were issued. The citations were given not just to drivers blocking intersections, but also for running red lights and talking on a cellphone while operating a motor vehicle.

Officers will target drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who block intersections.

The campaign is one of several efforts the city announced last month aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the city.

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