Drivers warned traffic light myth can lead to points and fine

Motorists are being warned against the temptation to slip through red lights at temporary roadworks, as doing so risks a £100 fine and three penalty points. Select Car Leasing's motoring experts have highlighted a common misconception among drivers who believe that red lights at street works are merely "advisory" and not subject to the same regulations as permanent traffic signals.

The myth that one can "proceed with caution" when facing a red light at temporary roadworks if the way seems clear is particularly pervasive. Some drivers take the risk late at night with fewer cars around or if they suspect the lights are malfunctioning or slow.

However, Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, clarifies that both the Road Traffic Act and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions consider portable temporary lights and temporary road traffic control measures just as legally binding as their permanent counterparts, reports Wales Online.

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Ignoring any red light, be it at a permanent fixture or a temporary setup, could result in an on-the-spot £100 fine and three points on your driving licence. Mr Conway 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.

"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."

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