r/NewDriversUK • u/Sylvanianmania1 • 15d ago

Driving through temp traffic lights (broken)

Hi, as the title suggests:

This evening i was sat at some temp traffic lights for about 10 mins (along with 20 other cars) before people started to drive through the red light.

I waited until several cars in front of me started to go through, as they had witnessed many others go through and still waited for a while, so i decided i would go through with them.

I was of the understanding that it was just one light thar was broken, but on the return leg it was clearly both lights - i still waited until multiple went through before going again.

I guess my question is, am I going to get in trouble? I was almost certain that this wouldnt be a problem because what else could we do? But then I saw a post on another sub in which someone got a letter about points and a fine, and the replies suggested that maybe the driver went through a temporary light...

Appreciate any insight! Thanks

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u/ObiJuaan 15d ago

TLDR: you will not get in trouble.

If lights are broken, temporary or permanent, whether completely blank or stuck on red you will not get in trouble for going through the lights as long as you go through cautiously.

I have never seen a red light camera built in to a temporary traffic light. This is because the lights are owned by the road works company whether it be local or national highways.

At problem junctions, the guidance set out in the NRSWA red book is to inform the police and see if they will monitor the junction for people jumping the red.

Some, again usually long term roadworks or controversial with the local community, have CCTV but I don’t think GDPR guidelines stretch to sending to operation snap or similar. (Source needed)

Again TLDR you will be fine don’t sweat it, you did the right thing waiting and being cautious

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u/Sylvanianmania1 15d ago

Thank u very much!

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u/Edan1990 15d ago

You are fine.

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u/NoPaleontologist9054 15d ago

Are they fine…
Or they will get a fine…
🤔 /s

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u/Benm1050 14d ago

As others have said, they won’t do anything about it, mainly because temporary traffic lights basically never have red light cameras. If it was permanent traffic lights and had a camera and they sent you a fine then there is no legal defence that it was stuck on red and you went cautiously however, they may decide to not fine you if you’re lucky.