Traffic light cameras or red light cameras are typically found at traffic lights on major junctions. Their job is simple: to stop any driver running a red light.
Learn more about how traffic light cameras work and what they look like.
Key takeaways
- Traffic light cameras use an infrared flash that isn't visible to the human eye.
- Get caught by a traffic light camera and you could be looking at a fine of £100 and 3 points on your licence. You may also need to attend a speed awareness course if asked
- Your car insurance could become more expensive if you have points on your licence for running a red light.
- If a red-light camera has captured you, you'll receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days.
- You could try appealing a traffic light ticket if you've got solid evidence to back it up. For example, dashcam footage.
Do all traffic lights have cameras?
It's important to state not all traffic lights have red light cameras.
On a practical level it wouldn’t be cost-effective to fix red light cameras onto every traffic light up and down the UK! Especially when you consider the cost of implementing and operating them.
Still, it's not worth chancing running a red light.
What do red light cameras look like?
Red light cameras aren't always obvious. They can be small and easy to miss while you're driving.
Most UK red light cameras appear as a yellow or grey box mounted on a pole near the junction, separate from the traffic light itself. They're not always the most visible fixture at a junction.
Instead of a bright, visible white flash, many use an infrared flash that's invisible to the human eye. The camera can capture clear images of the vehicle and number plate at night or in low light without distracting drivers.
It also means that people often don't realise they've been caught until a letter arrives.
Some units are dual-purpose. That means they monitor your speed as well as if you've stopped at the light.
Red light camera vs traffic sensor: It's worth noting the difference between red light cameras and traffic sensors. While red light cameras capture cars running red lights, traffic sensors are non-enforcement devices designed to help traffic flow. Traffic sensors detect approaching cars to safely trigger green lights and prevent unnecessary waiting times.
Will I get fined for running a red light?
Yes. If you get caught by a red light camera you should get a fine of £100 and 3 points on your licence. These points stay on your licence for 4 years, usually.
You may also be asked to go on an educational course if you’re caught running a red light.
When you renew your car insurance, you're asked about unspent driving convictions. If you have points on your licence from running a red light your car insurance could be more expensive.
How can I find where traffic light cameras are in my area?
For drivers in Wales, you can find the traffic light cameras in your area by visiting GoSafe. Just scroll to the bottom of the page to use the location search map.
If you live in any other part of the UK, you can find red light cameras in your area at Photoenforced.com.
How will I know if I've been caught by a traffic light camera?
You won't know immediately. If a red-light camera has captured you, you will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) within 14 days. The NIP will request the registered owner of the vehicle to identify the driver at the time of the offence, who must complete and return the form within 28 days.
After that, you pay a fixed penalty fine. However, if you believe there's been an error, you have the right to challenge the fine by filing an appeal.
Can I appeal a traffic light camera ticket?
In some cases, you may be able to successfully challenge a red-light camera ticket. These include:
- Providing evidence that you did not pass through the red light
- Providing evidence of a defect in the lights or related signage
- Having a dash cam installed in your vehicle that can prove the red-light camera was triggered falsely.
Anyone can access traffic camera images on Traffic England’s website.
But remember, acceptance isn't guaranteed. There's every chance the ticket may still be upheld, depending on your situation.
Do traffic cameras flash?
Traffic cameras don't always flash. Most use an infrared flash, which is not visible to the driver. So you won't know immediately whether you've been caught.
"Installed at selected junctions, red light cameras play an important role in improving driver safety, capturing photographic evidence of motorists who don't comply with traffic signals. The infrared camera flash is invisible to the human eye, so even if you can't spot one, it always pays to drive safely and adhere to the rules of the road."What our motor insurance expert says
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