It looks like speed cameras, often painted yellow, or red, although not always, and will always face the junction from behind. They’ll be positioned ahead of the lights, not on them.
Spotting the red-light camera is easy since they’re quite similar to speed cameras. That is because most are made by the same company anyway (Gatso).
Red light cameras are not typically mounted ON the traffic Light pole, but a bit forward (or back) to catch the number plate of cars that cross the line with a shot of the red light as well.
Older style ones:
Newer style ones:
In other words, the camera automatically takes a photo of your license plate If you’re caught running a red light.
Most times, a red-light camera is clearly marked with Luminous Yellow paint or signs in the vicinity.
What you have there is more likely a presence detector that changes the timing of the light changes if there are queues or if there are no cars in one direction. The other possibility is some Pelican crossings have sensors to check if there are a lot of people waiting to cross and change the lights faster to save pedestrians from waiting too long for cars.
How Do I Know If There Is A Red-Light Camera?
Most times, a red-light camera is clearly marked with Luminous Yellow paint or signs in the vicinity.
What Are the Consequences of Running A Red Light?
If caught:
- You could be fine up to £1,000
- Your car insurance premiums could increase
- Or you could suffer a ban from driving.
In some rare cases, you may be made to attend a driver awareness course as an alternative to a fine and points to your license.
What Happens If You Are Caught Running A Red Light?
The cameras automatically capture your car’s license the second you’re caught running a red light.
This photo is then forwarded to the police, who may decide either to start legal proceedings against you or send points to your license or make your insurance premium increase.
In some cases, as in mine, you may be asked to attend a driver awareness course.
How to avoid being Caught by a Running Red Light
- Know and follow all road rules and obey all traffic signals and personnel.
- Pay close attention to your surroundings and be aware of your surroundings.
- Drive defensively and be ready to stop if necessary.
- Take extra caution at night and in bad weather.
- Watch out for red light cameras and know where they are located.
- Slow down and come to a complete stop before the line if you’re not sure whether the light has gone green or red.
How Do You Know If You Got Caught By A Red Light Camera UK?
The red-light camera may or may not flash when it catches you.
So, there is no guaranteed way of knowing if the camera has taken your license plate photo or not until the traffic enforcement officer reaches out to you.
In other words, a letter through the door from your local police force stating your offense may be the only way of finding out your offense.