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Original poster

Accidentally drove through a red light and there were cameras

52 replies

anon432 · 12/12/2019 13:31

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.

OP posts:
flouncyfanny · 12/12/2019 14:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Molly2016 · 12/12/2019 14:45

There is a camera on our local roundabout that flashes drivers going through the red light. It does a massive flash though, not sure you would miss it.
It is a yellow camera box like the one you describe.

Equanimitas · 12/12/2019 14:46

Section 174(5) Road Traffic Act, coconuttelegraph.

Molly2016 · 12/12/2019 14:49

Sorry OP I just googled it and there does appear to be one on the junction by the hospital. I’ve added the black circle.

Accidentally drove through a red light and there were cameras
Molly2016 · 12/12/2019 14:51

Make sure the address on your licence is up to date. I believe you will know in 14 days.

coconuttelegraph · 12/12/2019 14:57

Thank you @Equanimitas

I ask because when I went on a course we were told that you couldn't lie if the insurer asked you directly or it was part of the policy that you had to tell them but you were under no obligation to volunteer the information. This was a few years ago but in the meantime I've never been asked, it's not a question on any online form I've completed so I've not mentioned it. Is that really covered by the 1988 act?

There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer online, has it been tested in the courts do you know?

Sforsh49 · 12/12/2019 14:57

OP i work for the Police. You could have been caught, it depends on a whole host of factors. Traffic Lights can have cameras on and they are in yellow casing to warn you. Just because there is a casing doesn't mean the camera is in it. They move them round.

The Police have 14 days from the date of the offence to NIP you (send you a Notice of Intended Prosecution). You fill this in naming the driver and admitting it if you choose to do so and then they will either send you a fine with 3 points or more likely offer you a diversionary course which are available for a whole host of offences not just speeding. They are usually £20 more than the fine and points BUT your licence stays clean and you avoid the points.

If you've not heard within 14 days then you've not been caught.

No point worrying until the letter comes. If it does!

chesterfuckingdraws · 12/12/2019 14:59

Red light cameras usually look like the one circled in this picture and are set a few feet behind the traffic lights.

If you get a ticket, usually comes through the post within 2-3 weeks, you can view the picture before accepting the fine/points to decide if you want to contest the penalty.

If you accept the penalty it's a TS10 offence and 3 points and £100 fine, if I remember correctly.

You need to notify your insurance, it didnt make a huge difference to my payments (think it was around £20)

The points need to be declared for 3 years when renewing insurance and will be on your licence for 5years and will be taken into consideration if there are any other offences in that time.

Accidentally drove through a red light and there were cameras
Frenchw1fe · 12/12/2019 15:22

I did this in Sheffield. Was going to turn left, green arrow. Then I realised I needed to go straight on and accidentally went through a red light.
I only realised when I saw the look on people’s faces as they waited to cross because the green man was on.
It really shook me up because I could have hit someone. I didn’t get any fine though.
It’s a horrible feeling though and I understand why your worried but I was just grateful I didn’t cause an accident. A fine is nothing really if everyone is safe.

newbingepisodes · 12/12/2019 15:30

You can do a red light course like the speed awareness course for first offence according to my DH who's uncle has just done it. Those courses don't affect your insurance.

newbingepisodes · 12/12/2019 15:33

@Smurfie12 you're wrong actually! You don't have to tell them if you've been on a speed awareness course.

www.gocompare.com/motoring/guides/speed-awareness-courses/

You don't need to tell your insurer you’ve been on a speed awareness course, unless they ask you directly.
The police and local authorities don’t inform insurers either. And you won't be asked about driver awareness courses when you compare car insurance quotes with uss_.
The onus is on the insurer to collect all the information that they need from you to provide cover, not for you to declare everything that they think might be important.

OnlyTheTitOfTheIceberg · 12/12/2019 15:38

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.

I wish people wouldn't spout bollocks as if they're pronouncing the gospel truth. As others have said, you only need inform them if they specifically as, and most don't.

kierenthecommunity · 12/12/2019 15:39

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

Then what would be the point of having courses? You may as well save your time and take the points. The fine and course fee are usually pretty similar.

There is most definitely a course for non speeding traffic offences. It’s called ‘What’s Driving us.’ So I’m told...

OnlyTheTitOfTheIceberg · 12/12/2019 15:39

*ask

OlaEliza · 12/12/2019 15:41

I think you need more lessons op, if you don't even know what a speed camera is, jesus christ.

Equanimitas · 12/12/2019 15:41

@newbingepisodes, I wouldn't take GoCompare as an authority on the law.

kierenthecommunity · 12/12/2019 15:47

I wouldn't take GoCompare as an authority on the law

The NDORS website in the other hand...

www.ndors.org.uk/faqs/how-will-attendence-on-an-ndors-course-affect-my-insurance/

Karwomannghia · 12/12/2019 15:48

Sounds like it didn’t flash and you went through before it went red. Nothing you can do but wait and see.

newbingepisodes · 12/12/2019 16:42

It was just a quick google to show the point! I've done the NDORS course and they specifically put it in writing in the certificate they give you to say you don't have to declare it.

Original poster
anon432 · 12/12/2019 16:55

I drove past the area again after finishing work and it definitely was the red light camera that someone posted earlier. So annoyed with myself. I hate driving places I don't know but I know there's nothing I can do now but wait, doesn't stop me worrying though. I hope I do get offered to do the course if I've been caught but rubbish time of year to get fined 😩I'll see if there's any information on Northumbria police website. Are they usually pretty quick sending these letters out?

OP posts:
OnlyTheTitOfTheIceberg · 12/12/2019 16:55

I wouldn't take GoCompare as an authority on the law.

If there was a law that said you were obliged to tell your insurers about driving/speed awareness courses, insurance companies and their affiliates (like Go Compare) would be all over it like a rash as it would be an excuse to bump up premiums. So I think we can trust them on this.

coconuttelegraph · 12/12/2019 17:08

If there was a law that said you were obliged to tell your insurers about driving/speed awareness courses, insurance companies and their affiliates (like Go Compare) would be all over it like a rash as it would be an excuse to bump up premiums

Yes, that's what I think but 2 posters have categorically said it's against the law not to declare @Equanimitas and @Smurfie12 are you both lawyers? A close family member took a course last month and I know hasn't told her insurers so it would really help to have the advice of an expert.

Original poster
anon432 · 12/12/2019 19:23

Sorry for the ignorance, as I said I've never had points or fines before so not sure how it normally goes. So they send me a letter and I confirm it was me, will i have to wait to send it back and get a letter back informing me of the prosecution and if I can do the course or will the first letter have that info on. There has been some really helpful replies on here, I'm now accepting what will be will be and I can't change it so preparing for the worst.

OP posts:
BunnyandBee · 12/12/2019 20:31

You get a letter which is the NIP, and you are asked to confirm it was you driving. Once you have returned that they then write to you with your options (e.g course, points etc.). It's rubbish waiting.
Not wanting to derail but I have just typed in 'speed awareness' into the auto faq with privledge car insurance and their website states you do not need to inform them of attendance on speed awareness courses, only convictions, endorsements etc.
I would advise checking with the individual insurer.

nevergotthehangofthursdays · 12/12/2019 20:45

This seems quite common. I ran a red light by mistake once while trying to make sense of a weird and unfamiliar road layout and understand what my satnav was yapping at me. There were two sets of traffic lights right on top of each other and I'd passed one at green and not realised the other set was red and operated separately Blush. I got beeped rather loudly and I don't blame him.

I didn't get done for it though. Probably should have.

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