temporary traffic lights

[Lompablue]

I have always believed that you can legally ignore temporary traffic lights, unless they are "police" traffic lights and provided that you will not be causing another offence - i.e. causing an obstruction, careless driving.

Does anyone know the law governing this?

[MAD BUTCHER]

I have always believed in fairies, but then I am only 5.

[THECORBYLOON]

The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994
"Significance of light signals
33.�(1) The significance of the light signals prescribed in paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 30 and in regulation 32 (that covers portable light signals) shall be as follows
(a) except as provided in sub-paragraphs (b), (f) and (g) the red signal shall convey the prohibition that vehicular traffic other than tramcars shall not proceed beyond the stop line;"

[sad old git]

You sound like one of the many idiots who think they own the road. Traffic lights are there for reason mainly to stop accidents which you will cause if you ignore them. Get a grip pal.

[Lompablue]

Thanks thecorbyloon

[sddsddean]

I work in a lot of road works with temp traffic lights and it never ceases to amaze me how many people risk jumping the lights. We have a very good way of letting them know we are not pleased with them. Wait until they are about 20 feet away (this depends on their speed) then chuck a cone in their path and see if their brakes work! Most times we can judge it just right so that they almost hit it, but everything has slid off their seats. This is especially satisfying if they are using the car as a mobile office and all that lovely paperwork has ended up on the floor.

[SeaJayPea]

I think this commonly held mistaken belief comes about from a court case about 20-odd years ago when somebody appealed it all the way to the House of Lords. He'd been done for jumping a set of temporary lights and argued that, as the lights didn't have horizontal black and white banding on the pole, that they weren't proper legal traffic lights and that he was justified in ignoring them. Our judges, in the way that they have of ignoring any common sense, upheld his appeal.

But the law was put right pretty damn quickly afterwards. They're legal now,

Dean, let me know next time you're on a site where you'll be doing that stunt, I'd love to watch.

[sddsddean]

In Oakham tomorrow morning SeaJayPea. What with all those wonderful Sunday drivers, it could be good for a giggle! The fun starts at 7.15am!!

[SeaJayPea]

Ah, a tad too far for this old boy on a Sunday morning (and a bit too early as well, if I'm honest). But enjoy the fun

Cheers

[Bluecaster]

Just out of interest there is a good idea used in some European countries. It csan only be used where there is a clear line of sight past the obstruction both ways. When the light turns red then the opposing amber begins to flash. This allows drivers to enter the restriction but only if the last vehicle has exited.
Saves a lot of waiting as lights have to be set for the slowest vehicles to clear the obstruction.