Accidentally drove through a red light and there were cameras

[anon432]

was on my lunch break going to pick something up, had my satnav on which is as useless as it always is, I am not used to the area and was a bit lost, trying to concentrate on which lane I was supposed to be in. Anyway I ended up driving through a red light, only realised as the cars at the other side were starting to move, so I’m not sure if it had only just turned red. I remember there was a yellow box around that area and I’m panicking like mad now that I’ve been caught and that I’m going to get points on my license. I’ve never got a fine or points or anything before and I’ve been driving around 4 years. I’m really grateful there was no accidents but so worried about the consequences. I know I’ve been stupid and careless and feel like this will really teach me a lesson so please go easy on me. Does anyone know if these yellow boxes detect you driving through a red light and has any helpful advice? I’m going to try and drive back through that route after I finish work this eveningg_ just to check the lights etc but there was definitely a yellow box. If anyone know the area, it was around Sunderland Royal Hospital.

I've been through one before where it's flashed (8am on a Sunday, car stalled, no other vehicles on road). Nothing came of it.

If worse comes to worse and I go get points how much roughly will this put up my insurance? I currently pay £39 a month and was hoping it would go down in January when I renew. I'm a massive worrier and going to be waiting and panicking to receive a letter.

Was the first light red or was it only a repeater? I've gone through and paused at the box junction waiting to turn right, by time it was clear the second light had turned red but was ok to complete the turn.

The first 3 points don’t affect your insurance, so try not to worry, easily done!

Look it’s done now. Hopefully you’ll be ok but there really is no point worrying about it it won’t solve anything.

The first 3 points don’t affect your insurance, so try not to worry, easily done!

Of course they do.

Sorry Op. Fingers crossed nothing will come of it.

If there was a camera, and you were caught, you're very likely to be offered a driver education course rather than points.

I did this once. There were lots of flashes from the box, so it clearly took photos. I waited in a panic for the letter... it never came!

You may get lucky, but don't sweat it, everyone makes mistakes.

The yellow boxes are just to tell you that you can't cross the junction unless your exit is clear. They don't track the colour of the traffic lights.

Chances are you'll be fine and the points shouldn't affect your insurance.

Please try not to panic

Sorry I really wasn't clear about the yellow box, i meant yellow box as in camera box (sorry I don't know the correct word for it)

I know these are typically speed cameras but not sure if they detect red light runners aswell

I got three points a long time ago and I was also told by my insurance company that the first three points didn't impact my insurance.

Red light cameras are usually small black cameras on the lights, the yellow boxes are speed cameras.

It's too late to do anything about it now, so try not to worry - easier said than done, I know!

If you didn't see a flash you may have gotten away with it. It was probably still on amber anyway. Try not to worry. Also, if you were caught they may offer you a driving awareness course instead of points.

try not to worry, easily done!
LOL yes, if you’re an incompetent driver who doesn’t pay attention.

You are required by law to tell your Insurance Company if you have been on a Driver Awareness Course, and they will treat that course the same as they would the points. Expect to have an increase in your insurance anyway in January, so be prepared to shop around. I

Stop worrying about something that hasn’t happened - there may or may not be a photo, you’ll just have to wait and see. It might not even have been red.

For those saying it’s easily done, driving though a red light is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. My neighbour nearly lost her daughter who was hit by a car going through a red light

www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/stneots-cambridgeshire-red-light-cameras-15887579

This is one, usually a few feet from light.

If there was a camera, and you were caught, you're very likely to be offered a driver education course

The courses you can be offered are speed awareness courses which you won’t be offered as it’s a traffic light offence, not a speeding one.

My colleague got done going through a red light in the summer-it was 3 points and a £450 fine. It affected his insurance, his wife’s insurance and his teenage daughters insurance who he was named drivers on. It was a very expensive mistake-he wasn’t happy.

If you google red light camera you can find the location of them as there are not that many

There are cameras that detect drivers running red lights.

But from what you say you’re not sure whether the light was red or amber?

Nothing to be done about it now except wait and see.

You don't have to tell insurance about drivers awareness courses unless they ask you,which they don't.The police don't tell anyone either.You only get one offered for minor things anyway.

Taken from the Nottinghamshire police website, you can do a course for a red light offence.

OP I wouldn't worry too much, I doubt you would of been caught, I know it's always a possibility but I certainly wouldn't be losing any sleep over it, Ive seen loads of people in front of me go through red lights, seems normal here ! Not just amber either, full on red.

You have probably already learnt your lesson and won't make the same mistake again.

You are required by law to tell your Insurance Company if you have been on a Driver Awareness Course

Which law is that @Smurfie12 ? could you link to the legislation please