Red Light Cameras: What Happens Next

The clampdown at the lights: why it matters now

Running a red is not just a lapse in judgement - it carries real costs. Recent figures show a fifth of UK motorists, nearly 6.9 million people, have received penalty points for red light offences. In 2024 alone, 19,734 drivers were issued points for failing to comply with traffic signals, a near doubling since 2021 as enforcement tightened. Greater London led the way, with 3,950 drivers caught by a network that now includes around 248 Transport for London cameras. Other hotspots include the West Midlands and Leicestershire, reflecting a broader push to curb risky junction behaviour.

You might be surprised to learn that fewer than 1.5% of UK traffic lights have dedicated red light cameras, and London still monitors under 4% of its signals. Scotland operates only a handful. Yet the chances of being reported are growing because detection no longer relies solely on fixed cameras. Police forces received more than 24,000 public dashcam submissions in the first half of 2024, making recklessness at junctions increasingly visible.

Behaviour at amber is a key pressure point. A major UK survey found 37% of drivers do not follow the Highway Code properly when lights change to amber. One in four admit to deliberately driving through, some keep their speed, and others accelerate. Only a small minority always stop safely. Against this backdrop, the expanding network - about 811 red light camera sites across Britain - is catching more drivers who gamble with the signals.

Red means stop. Amber means stop if you can do so safely.

Understanding APR is not the only number that matters - knowing the real cost of points, fines and insurance hikes helps you make better decisions at the lights. This guide explains what happens next if you are caught, where risks are highest, and the smart, practical steps to protect both your licence and your budget.

Who should read this

If you have received a Notice of Intended Prosecution or a fixed penalty offer for a red light offence, this is for you. It is equally useful if you are worried about rising camera coverage in your area, commute through busy London junctions, or simply want to keep insurance costs in check. New drivers facing a tighter penalty regime will benefit, as will experienced motorists who developed habits around amber signals that no longer stand up to modern enforcement. Kandoo’s focus is helping UK consumers make clearer financial choices, so we have set out your options in plain English with steps you can take today.

Your choices after being flashed at a junction

1. Accept the fixed penalty - typically £100 and 3 points.

2. Request evidence, check the notice details, and consider representations.

3. Contest the allegation in court if you believe you have a defence.

4. Enquire about an educational course if offered in your area.

5. Disclose the offence to your insurer when required and review cover.

6. Improve driving habits at amber and high-risk junctions.

7. Seek independent legal advice for complex circumstances.

Pounds and pitfalls at a glance

The cheapest outcome is the one that avoids court - where justified and lawful.

Eligibility and what the rules say

Failing to comply with a traffic signal is typically recorded under offence codes such as TS10 and usually carries 3 penalty points. A standard fixed penalty is normally £100 plus 3 points, provided the notice is accurate and issued within time limits. If your case goes to court, fines can rise to £1,000, or up to £2,500 for certain larger vehicles. You will have a set period, usually 28 days, to respond to a Notice of Intended Prosecution and subsequent fixed penalty offers. The Highway Code is clear: red means stop, and amber means stop unless it is unsafe to do so. Accelerating at amber to beat the change is likely to be viewed unfavourably, especially where camera evidence shows a late entry beyond the stop line.

Camera coverage is not universal, but it is expanding, and enforcement is multi-source. Around 811 red light camera sites operate across Britain, with London hosting the largest cluster. Scotland currently has very limited fixed coverage, but officers and member-of-the-public submissions still play a role. Kandoo cannot help you pay fines or avoid lawful penalties, but we can offer guidance to keep your wider motoring costs predictable - from budgeting after a premium rise to considering products that suit your driving profile.

What happens next - step-by-step

1. Receive the notice and check names, dates, and location.

2. Confirm time limits and respond within the specified window.

3. Request evidence or photos if uncertain who was driving.

4. Decide: accept fixed penalty, course, or contest.

5. If accepting, pay promptly and submit licence details.

6. If contesting, seek legal advice and prepare documents.

7. Update insurer at renewal or when asked, truthfully.

8. Adjust driving habits at high-risk junctions immediately.

Choosing a path: benefits and drawbacks

Before you decide: key cautions

Time is your most valuable asset after receiving a notice. Miss a deadline and options narrow, often pushing cases towards court where fines and costs can escalate quickly. Review the notice carefully for accuracy, including registration, time and location. If someone else was driving, follow the named driver process precisely. Think beyond the headline fine. Three points can affect your premium for years, and some insurers load heavily for signal offences that indicate junction risk. An educational course, if offered, is often cost-effective over the long term because it avoids points while improving real-world habits. If you are set on contesting, be candid about your evidence. Video that shows a late entry past the stop line is hard to disprove. Save court for when you have a credible, legally grounded defence.

Smarter routes and safer habits

1. Brake earlier at stale green lights and read cross-traffic cues.

2. Treat amber as a stop signal unless stopping is unsafe.

3. Map frequent junctions - expect stricter enforcement in London.

4. Add a dashcam for evidence in ambiguous scenarios.

5. Consider telematics cover to reward consistent safe driving.

6. Leave time buffers to avoid rushing decisions at lights.

FAQs

Q: How many red light cameras are there in the UK? A: Britain operates roughly 811 red light camera sites, with the highest concentration in London and major English regions.

Q: If few lights have cameras, why are more drivers being caught? A: Broader enforcement, additional cameras, and public dashcam submissions mean more offences are detected even without a camera on every pole.

Q: What is the usual penalty for running a red light? A: A common outcome is a £100 fixed penalty and 3 points. In court, fines can rise significantly and you may face costs.

Q: Do I have to tell my insurer? A: You must answer questions truthfully at renewal and whenever your policy requires disclosure of motoring convictions or pending prosecutions.

Q: Can I take a course instead of points? A: Availability varies by area and circumstances. If offered, a course can be a good way to avoid points and improve technique.

Q: Will a red light offence always raise my premium? A: Not always, but many insurers increase premiums for offences that signal higher junction risk. Shopping around can help.

Q: Is London really stricter than elsewhere? A: London accounts for a significant share of detections due to its larger camera network and traffic volume, so vigilance is essential.

What Kandoo can do for you

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker. We cannot help you pay fines, but we can help you plan the wider costs of motoring after an offence. If points increase your premium or you need to budget for essential repairs, we help you compare finance options responsibly so you can keep moving with confidence.

Important information

This article provides general guidance for GB motorists and is not legal or financial advice. Penalties and processes vary by authority and case. Always follow official instructions on your notice and seek professional advice where appropriate.