Red carred

I have been sent a NIP for "driving through a red light". I approached a pedestrian crossing and the pedestrians crossed before I got to the lights and they went to red when the pedestrians were safely across. No other pedestrians or cars were in the vicinity so with caution I proceeded? Is this worth £60 fine and 3 points? Have the pedestrians no obligation to wait fro the green light? What about at road works when one can see the on coming traffic stopped but yours is red to we have no discretion about proceeding with caution? Is the traffic management system not someway to blame for not being adjusted better? What about cyclists who regularly pass red lights?

Asked on 16 January 2010 by B.C., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

Unfortunately you still went though the red light and that is what you are being done for because the camera operators see it as a simple revenue earning opportunity. Your only defences would be either you were avoiding a crash, for instance by preventing someone else crashing into the back of you, or if you were waived through by a uniformed police officer.

Tags: driving legal issues red lights nip

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