Red light myth that can cost drivers £100 and penalty points
Drivers have been warned they face a steep fine and penalty points on their licence for ignoring red lights on temporary traffic lights. Those driving through a red signal could be hit with a £100 fine and have three penalty points added to their licence.
The advice comes as motoring experts said that some drivers look at temporary traffic lights, erected by construction companies during road works as merely a 'suggestion'. They said that motorists don't treat these lights as they would permanent ones.
It is not the case that you can 'proceed with caution' at a red light in an area that's subject to work simply because the road ahead looks clear.
An alarming number of drivers will risk it, especially late at night or when the lights seem to be faulty or slow at changing.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said both the Road Traffic Act and the Traffic Signs Regulations treat portable temporary lights at road developments, as well as temporary road traffic control systems, on par with lasting lights and signs under law.
That means disregarding any red light, whether temporary or permanent, may result in a fine of £100 and three points on your licence.
He said: "I think we've all probably been in a situation where we've approached a temporary roadworks late at night and seen a traffic light seemingly 'stuck' on red. If you can see the end of the roadworks ahead, and there's no other traffic on the road, you might even be tempted to sneak through before the lights change to green.
"There's also a widely held belief that portable red lights at roadworks are somehow 'advisory', and that you can choose to ignore them if you proceed with caution.
"It's all untrue. So long as they conform to industry rules, traffic lights at roadworks are no different to permanent traffic lights in the eyes of the law. If there's a 'STOP' sign there, stop until the lights go green.", reported Devon Live.
He also cautioned against jumping the red light because you think it's too slow to change.
He added: "And don't take the risk even if you suspect that a red light signal is broken - what if it's just slow to change because it's dealing with multiple road junctions?
"Running any red light can put you and others in harm's way. And while there might not be an enforcement camera to catch offenders at temporary roadworks, you'll still be prosecuted if witnessed by the police."
Instead, if you believe lights at roadworks - which detects approaching vehicles using a sensor - isn't working right, check for an information board near the works with an emergency phone number. If that doesn't help, consider calling the police on the 101 non-emergency number.
Mr Conway advised: "If you're stuck at a red light you believe to be faulty, your best bet - if you can - is to simply find another route around the roadworks."
The Highway Code clearly states that all traffic light signals must be followed. It says: "You MUST obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs."
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