Red Light

[howy1]

Hi all
friday night me and the wife out in car drive through what we consider is amber light next thing blue flashing lights behind me in the distance pulled over by young over zealous copper he says i went through red light i disagree but am looking at £60 fine plus 3 points
Question is should i chance my arm and go to court , anyone been in this posistion ...cheers mark

 

[Bahco]

Read THIS

 

[tim west]

That last one with an articulated lorry is ridiculous, as far as that is concerned he shouldnt move ever! It's quite possible for the lights to change so quickly there are two like that on my way to work, barely one car gets through before they change!

 

[howy1]

Thanks Bacho i think i wont be chanecing my arm , would you know if you can go on one of those courses to clear 3 points as i already have 3 points
cheers mark

 

[empip]

Read THIS

'This' provides food for thought...

I drive an articulated vehicle. Quite often, when I approach the lights they are green, but by the time my vehicle is through, they have changed to red. There is nothing I can do because of the length of the vehicle. Why should I be prosecuted?

If the red light is not showing when the front of the vehicle crosses the line, but is illuminated before the rest of the vehicle has passed, an offence is committed. The rules state that it is your obligation as a driver to ensure that the whole of the vehicle can pass on green. If it cannot, you should not proceed.

In our local city, approach and departure gateways to some light controlled roundabouts are so lengthy and convoluted that several seconds are required to negotiate them - Don't mention the odd over expansive 'yellow box' where one's exit is actually 'around the corner' and therefore out of sight - Or designated car parking each side of road narrowing to one lane pinch point - no cautionary notice.

 

[Bahco]

Thanks Bacho i think i wont be chanecing my arm , would you know if you can go on one of those courses to clear 3 points as i already have 3 points
cheers mark

There are traffic forums who will know.

Do a google.

 

[AtoZ]

i followed a small lorry through the lights.
this lorry decided to turn left without indicating and the struggled to get past a car waiting at the the lights on red.
this left me in the junction because i could not pass the back corner of the lorry. by the time he got round i was in the middle, on red

no one tooted me and everyone could see what happened.
i couldnt go backwards because of cars behind me and i certainly couldnt stay where i was. i moved off, no delays and no danger to anyone else.
two roads away i was pulled over, got the lecture and got a ticket.
the copper told me he was three cars back and had seen it all.
i asked him what he would have done but he would not answer.

not happy. ive been pulled over on my motorbike loads of times and i know when ive been lucky to get told off and sent on my way but i could not see what i could have done differently.

i got done on what is a pet hate for me. as a bike rider you have to look out for amber gamblers (showing my age )

this is one of those road rules where you will never win.
i was unhappy because i didnt actually do anything wrong... this time

 

[Bahco]

Try here

 

[megawatt]

The fact that it is his word against yours does not prevent a prosecution, although clearly, the outcome will depend heavily on each party’s version of events/credibility.

If the police officer was on his own and he did not have video evidence and I was sure I hadn't committed the offence I would always go to court.

I've been twice now for crossing lights at amber and got off both times.

It does depend on circumstances though.

On both of my occasions the lights had only just gone amber as I crossed the line so I had no choice but to continue IMO (and I really do not cross red lights ... EVER despite speeding as everyone here knows by now I'm sure) and I was stopped by a single power-crazed jobsworth with no video in a standard marked car i.e. not a traffic special with video cameras etc.

If I am ever stopped I always get out of the car and walk to them and they usually invite me to sit in the police car for safety ... This gives an opportunity to see if its fitted with any fancy kit

On the first occasion the police car was at least 4 cars back in the traffic and when I pointed this out at court (and asked him to confirm ... Which he did ... Honest chap) and asked how he could possibly have seen the position of my car in relation to the white line whilst at the same time looking at the lights and driving safely the magistrate agreed and dismissed the case.

On the second occasion the officer who stopped me didn't appear in court and they wanted to proceed on written evidence presented by a colleague (it amazes me how they try it on). I wouldn't accept this and reserved my right to question the officer who stopped me. They couldn't get her to court as she was on holiday ... Case was dismissed and the police got a rollicking ... What a result

Don't always assume that you won't get a result in court because many do ... Pick your battles though as the courts are used to the technicality try-ons now unfortunately.

If I'm not sure if I'm in the wrong I will put my hands up and take the points but if I'm absolutely sure I am in the right I will go to court every time.

MW

 

[libby lou lou]

Two of you and only one copper ? go for it, as long as your both credible, you should'nt have a problem. been there.

 

[howy1]

Many thanks for all replies , i must admit i am beginning to question myself and as megawatt says you must be clear in your conviction .
I am thinking if i can go on this one day course for hundred quid ish and get off the three points it might be the way to go , i was in the frame of mind as libby lou lou ie two on to one but me bottle is a bit rattly .

 

[nickso]

friday night me and the wife out in car drive through what we consider is amber light

AMBER means ‘Stop’ at the stop line. You may go on only if the AMBER appears after you have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that to pull up might cause an accident

obviously i dont know how close you were to the line and i doubt you will be honest enough to admit you could have stopped. you say the copper did you for a red light but if you could have stopped on amber then he is correct for pulling you.

why is it so many people view the amber light as a green instead of a red? ignorance i suppose.

 

[megawatt]

I am thinking if I can go on this one day course for hundred quid ish and get off the three points it might be the way to go

The majority of people would think the same I reckon which is why these jobsworth officers get away with it.

Same goes for speed offences, so many could get off if they challenged injustices but don't stand up for themselves.

However, if you are unsure Howy1 take the fine and points, you must be sure if you go to court or they will rip you to pieces.

MW

 

[libby lou lou]

Let the officer know (nicely) that you will be going not guilty, with a witness, the powers that be may decide their case may not be enough to convict you, and drop it.

You can always change your mind on the last minute and throw a guilty in.

 

[Trazor]

would you know if you can go on one of those courses to clear 3 points as i already have 3 points
cheers mark

This is normally only done for speeding offences, even then, its only if they offer it.
You can't ask for it.