Red traffic light myth could cost UK drivers £100 and points on their licence

Motorists have been sternly reminded that sneaking through red lights at temporary roadworks could lead to a hefty £100 fine and three penalty points, as addressed by motoring experts at Select Car Leaving. There exists a prevalent misconception that the red signals stationed at such worksites are 'advisory' only and are not governed by the same regulations that apply to permanent traffic lights.

A widely held yet erroneous belief suggests that it's acceptable to proceed with caution through a red traffic light during roadworks provided the route ahead appears to be clear. This emboldens some drivers to take their chances, particularly late at night when traffic is sparse, or when they suspect the lights are not functioning correctly or seem slow to respond.

Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, clarifies that both the Road Traffic Act and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions legislations recognize temporary mobile lights and makeshift traffic management arrangements as equal to their permanent counterparts in legal standing.

Disregarding any red light, whether temporary or fixed, can result in an immediate fine of £100 and three demerit points on the offenders driving licence. Mr Conway elucidates: "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 'adisory', 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.", reports Wales Online.

"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."

If you suspect a red light system at a roadworks - which detects approaching vehicles using a sensor - is malfunctioning, look for an information board located near the works which will carry an emergency telephone number. If that fails, you might even call the police 101 non-emergency number.

Mr Conway adds: "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 says traffic light signals must be universally obeyed. It reads: "You MUST obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs."