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Original poster

AIBU to ask - when did red traffic lights for cars mean you get another five seconds grace period?

31 replies

RJ2023 · 04/04/2025 20:30

Maybe this is an Ipswich only thing - but even on major junctions - driving through red traffic lights seems to be the norm here now, with people taking an extra five seconds grace period after the light turned red and causing people with priority to brake / stop.

I'm assuming there hadn't been a change to the Highway Code / traffic laws that I have missed?

I don't normally support cameras and penalties - but it is getting a bit dangerous here at time. When I lived in Southampton there were red light cameras everywhere!

OP posts:
outerspacepotato · 04/04/2025 20:48

When the car behind you is going to hit you if you stop. It's kind of a choose your own adventure driving here.

The ones that get me are the cars or trucks in the far left who realize they have to make a right turn in 10 feet.

AgnesX · 04/04/2025 20:40

It's not a thing. People are just being arses. Where I live it happens with unfailing regularity and quite frequent collisions. It's a combination of chancers, boy racers and at night where there's a straight street the brain dead who don't the change in light colour.

marmaladegranny · 04/04/2025 20:37

Definitely has become a thing round my way! I think it started after covid…. This morning, on a busy junction near me, I thought I was being a bit rash being an ‘amber gambler’ but noticed at least two cars behind me that must have gone through the red

Comedycook · 04/04/2025 20:35

Yes I've noticed this too here in London....traffic is horrendous near me due to roadworks and ltns..and I think people are getting more impatient. It's pretty scary to see though, especially when it's at pedestrian crossings.

Ace56 · 04/04/2025 20:32

I can’t say I’ve noticed this with ‘proper’ traffic lights, only the temporary ones they put up when there’s roadworks. But in that case often there’s quite a big gap between the light turning red and the other one turning green, so I can see why people do it.

mumofoneAlonebutokay · 04/04/2025 20:31

You should try driving in east London - utter lawlessness

Driving standards have worsened but its parking tickets and congestion that is the priority 🙄

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