Red Light Cameras in the UK: What You Need to Know

Running a red light is one of the most common traffic violations in the UK, and red light cameras serve as a widespread law enforcement tool, with over 800 red light cameras deployed nationwide.

Every year, approximately 1 million motorists receive traffic penalties, with red-light offences forming a notable portion of that figure. If you’re wondering how a red light camera works, what penalties you might face, or how they differ across regions, read on for what you need to know.

What Red Light Cameras Are and Their Purpose

A red light camera, or signal light camera, is an automated enforcement device installed at intersections to capture vehicles that run red lights. It uses sensors and high-speed photography to record the vehicle, license plate, and the exact time of the violation. The primary purpose of these cameras is to improve road safety by deterring dangerous driving, reducing collisions, and ensuring drivers obey traffic signals.

How Red Light Camera Systems Work

Red light camera systems in the UK typically use a combination of sensors embedded in the road and high-resolution cameras to detect vehicles entering an intersection after the light has turned red.

When a violation occurs, the system captures images of the vehicle and its number plate, along with the date, time, and duration of the red light.

The data is securely stored and linked to the registered vehicle, providing reliable evidence that can be reviewed by enforcement officers if needed.

Can They Measure Speed and Do They Work at Night

Many red light cameras in the UK are equipped with speed detection technology, allowing them to record vehicles that not only run red lights but also exceed the speed limit.
Modern systems use infrared or low-light cameras, which emit infrared light that reflects off vehicles, allowing the camera to capture clear images even in darkness or poor weather conditions. This combination of features helps authorities improve road safety at all hours and across different traffic conditions.

What Do Red Light Cameras Look Like

If you have tried to spot these devices or wondered what a red light camera looks like UK, you are not alone. Red light cameras in the UK are typically mounted on poles at intersections, often paired with traffic lights, and can vary in size and design depending on the manufacturer.

Most cameras are enclosed in a rectangular or cylindrical housing with a protective casing, and many are painted yellow or grey to make them more visible to drivers. Some locations also use smaller, discreet cameras or integrate them into overhead gantries or signal bridges, but all are strategically positioned to capture vehicles that enter the intersection after the light turns red.

Where Are Red Light Cameras Located in the UK

Red or traffic light cameras are usually installed at high-risk intersections, particularly where there is a history of accidents or frequent traffic violations. They are often placed on busy urban roads, near schools, and at junctions with complex traffic patterns to maximise safety.

Authorities regularly review traffic data to determine where cameras are most needed, ensuring they target locations with the greatest potential to reduce collisions and improve compliance with traffic signals.

Are They at Every Junction or Crossing

Cameras at stop lights are not placed at every junction or crossing in the UK. They are selectively installed in locations with a higher risk of accidents, a history of frequent red-light violations, or heavy traffic flow. This targeted approach allows authorities to focus resources where they can have the greatest impact on road safety rather than monitoring every single intersection.

Do All Traffic Lights Have Cameras Installed

Not every red light camera is equipped with red light cameras. Installation does come at a cost and requires maintenance, so they are usually limited to intersections with a history of accidents, high traffic volumes, or frequent violations, meaning many ordinary junctions do not have cameras. This intentional placement allows authorities to prioritise safety at high-risk locations.

Do Red Light Cameras Flash When Triggered

Many red light cameras in the UK emit a flash when they capture a violation, but it is not always visible to drivers.
The flash is typically infrared, which allows the camera to take clear photographs day or night without distracting motorists. This ensures accurate evidence of the offence, including the vehicle, license plate, and the exact moment it entered the intersection after the light turned red.

Can Red Light Cameras Also Measure Speed

Many modern red light traffic cameras UK are equipped with speed detection technology, allowing them to capture vehicles that exceed the speed limit as well as those that run red lights.

These systems often use radar, sensors embedded in the road, or a combination of both to calculate a vehicle’s speed accurately. By monitoring both red-light violations and speeding, authorities can improve road safety and reduce the risk of serious accidents at high-risk intersections.

How to Tell if You’ve Been Caught by a Red Light Camera

If a red light camera captures your vehicle committing an offence, the registered owner will typically receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) from local authorities, or a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) from the police or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), in the post.
The notice includes details of the violation, such as the date, time, location, and photographic evidence of the offence. In some cases, the notice may also provide instructions on how to pay the fine or contest the penalty if you believe it was issued in error.

What Happens if You Run a Red Light

Running a red light is considered a serious traffic offence in the UK and carries legal consequences. Penalties can include fines, points on your driving licence, or, in severe cases, court proceedings and a drivers licence disqualification. These measures are designed to discourage dangerous driving and reduce the risk of accidents at intersections.

Fines and Penalty Points For Red Light Offences

Running a red light in the UK can result in both financial penalties and points on your driving licence. The specific consequences depend on the severity of the offence and whether it is handled via a Fixed Penalty Notice or a court decision. The number of points you could receive and how much you might have to pay if caught by a red light camera depend on a variety of factors.

How Many Points Can You Get For Running a Red Light?

In addition to fines, running a red light in the UK typically adds 3 penalty points to your driving licence. These points remain on your record for 4 years and are considered when calculating the total points on your licence.

In the Road Traffic Offenders Act (RTOA) section 35, accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years can lead to a 6-month driving disqualification, unless you can prove exceptional hardship in court.

How Much is the Fine for a Red Light Camera Ticket?

Running a red light in the UK usually results in a £100 fine, which is a standard FPN and is the most common penalty for such offences. More serious offences can lead to higher fines in court. These financial penalties are designed to discourage dangerous driving and reinforce compliance with traffic signals.

Tip: Paying the fine promptly may avoid additional fees or court action.

Will it Affect Your Car Insurance?

Yes, running a red light and receiving penalty points can affect your car insurance premiums. Insurance providers consider any points on your licence as an increased risk, which may lead to higher renewal costs or changes in coverage.
Even a single red light offence can result in a noticeable premium increase, particularly for newer drivers or those with fewer years of driving experience.

Some ways to minimise car insurance increases include: 

• Shopping Around: Compare quotes from different insurers as premiums can vary widely. 
  
• Increasing Your Voluntary Excess: This can lower your premium, though you’ll pay more in the event of a claim. 
   
• Completing a Driver Improvement Course: Some insurers may reduce premiums if you take an approved driving course. 
   
• Showcasing a Responsible Record: Avoid accumulating more points or claims to prevent further increases. 
  
• Install a Dash Cam: Having a dash cam can provide evidence of your driving and may help mitigate disputes, which some insurers recognise with lower premiums. Consider the Dash Cam and Ghost Immobiliser Installation UK package for added peace of mind. 

Tip: Another way to lower insurance premiums is to install Thatcham-approved security devices.

How to Appeal a Red Light Camera Fine

If you believe a red light camera fine was issued incorrectly, you have the right to appeal. The process usually begins by following the instructions on the PCN or FPN, which includes submitting your appeal in writing or online.  

Grounds for appeal can include mistaken identity, faulty equipment, unclear signage, or mitigating circumstances, and supporting evidence, such as photos, dash cam footage, or witness statements, can strengthen your case. 
 
Tip: If you ever need to provide substantial evidence, the benefits of having a dash cam are invaluable. 

Are Red Light Cameras Always Accurate

Red light cameras are generally reliable, but they are not infallible. Factors such as faulty sensors, misaligned cameras, or environmental conditions like heavy rain or glare can sometimes result in incorrect readings. While errors are relatively rare, it is possible to contest a fine if you have evidence suggesting the camera captured your vehicle incorrectly. 
 
Tip: To avoid future traffic disputes, consider scheduling a dash cam fitting and installation. 

FAQs

What do modern red light cameras look like?

In the UK, modern red light cameras are usually mounted on poles beside traffic lights or on overhead gantries. They are generally housed in rectangular or cylindrical casings, often painted yellow or grey to ensure visibility to drivers. Some intersections may use smaller, more discreet cameras, but all are strategically positioned to capture clear images of vehicles that pass through the junction after the light has turned red.

How to tell the difference between a red light camera and sensor?

A red light camera is the visible device that takes photographs or records video of vehicles running a red light, usually housed in a protective casing on a pole or gantry. A sensor, on the other hand, is typically embedded in the road surface at the stop line and detects when a vehicle passes over it after the light has turned red. While cameras are easily seen, sensors are usually hidden, and the two work together to accurately capture violations.

How do I know if I went through a red light camera?

If you run a red light and are caught by a camera in the UK, the registered vehicle owner will typically receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) in the post. The notice includes details such as the date, time, location, and photographic evidence of the offence. Some local authorities also provide online portals where you can check if your vehicle has been recorded committing a traffic violation.