Drivers Warned After Ignoring Red Lights At Workington Temporary Signals
Police have warned motorists after several drivers were stopped for ignoring red lights at temporary traffic signals in Workington.
The incidents occurred at Ramsay Brow during an afternoon patrol by Allerdale police. Officers stopped multiple drivers after they travelled through red traffic signals controlling vehicles at temporary roadworks. The motorists reportedly gave similar explanations when challenged, with drivers claiming they believed the temporary lights were not working correctly. Police have now reminded motorists that this is not a valid reason for disregarding a red signal.
Officers said temporary traffic signals can sometimes appear to remain on red for longer than drivers expect. This can happen when road crews or police officers manually hold a signal on red while dealing with live lane operations, incidents or other traffic management issues. Drivers are therefore expected to remain behind the signal and wait rather than deciding themselves that it is safe to proceed.
The warning comes as temporary traffic management continues to be used on roads where works or other activities require traffic to be controlled. Temporary signals are designed to manage vehicles safely through sections where normal traffic arrangements have been changed. Even when there appears to be no traffic approaching from the opposite direction, drivers must continue to follow the signal and should not pass through a red light simply because the road ahead appears clear.
Police highlighted that ignoring a red traffic signal can result in three penalty points being added to a driver's licence. The offence can also lead to a £100 fine. Officers stressed that believing a traffic light is faulty does not provide a justification for driving through a red signal, meaning motorists should continue to wait if the signal remains red.
Traffic management crews have advised that problems with temporary signals can sometimes occur. For example, a traffic light sequence may be shortened or a driver's turn may appear to be missed if traffic has been stationary for too long. These situations do not mean motorists should ignore the signal, as there are procedures available for drivers to report a suspected problem and request assistance.
Drivers who believe a temporary traffic signal is not operating correctly can attempt to alert the traffic management system. Police said motorists can wave from inside their vehicle towards the motion sensor, which is identified by a small red LED light. This provides one way of drawing attention to the vehicle if the driver believes the system has failed to detect their presence.
Another option is to use the management telephone number displayed at the bottom of the temporary traffic signal. Drivers can contact the traffic management team and report a problem with the lights or explain that their turn appears to have been skipped. This allows the people responsible for the temporary signals to investigate the issue and make any necessary adjustments.
Where it is safe to do so, drivers can also leave their vehicles and approach traffic management workers to explain the problem. Police stressed that motorists should only do this when conditions allow and that drivers should not put themselves or other road users at risk while attempting to report an issue. The priority remains following the traffic signals and maintaining safe conditions around the roadworks.
If no traffic management crew is available, motorists can contact police on 101 to raise concerns about a temporary signal. Officers said police are among the people who can override a red signal when necessary and allow vehicles to pass safely. This provides an alternative route for dealing with a genuine problem rather than motorists making their own decision to ignore the signal.
The warning follows a series of stops in which officers found drivers disregarding the temporary signals at Ramsay Brow. Police said the repeated explanation that drivers believed the lights were broken was not sufficient to justify proceeding through the red signal. The force has therefore used the incidents to remind motorists that responsibility for obeying traffic signals remains with the driver.
Temporary traffic lights can be particularly important where road layouts have changed or lanes are being operated differently from normal. The signals help coordinate traffic and prevent vehicles from entering sections of road when other traffic may be approaching. Ignoring them can create a risk of collisions, particularly where drivers cannot see the full section of road beyond the temporary control point.
Police have also reminded drivers that an apparently empty road does not change the legal requirement to obey a red light. Motorists must wait until the signal changes before continuing, even when they believe there is no immediate traffic coming from the other direction. Drivers who are uncertain about whether the equipment is functioning should use the available reporting options rather than proceeding through the signal.
The issue at Ramsay Brow demonstrates why motorists should allow additional time when travelling through areas controlled by temporary traffic lights. Delays can occur when traffic flows are being managed around roadworks or when signals are adjusted to accommodate changing conditions. Remaining patient and following the temporary arrangements helps road crews and other road users work safely.
Police are continuing to encourage motorists to take responsibility for their behaviour around temporary traffic management. Drivers who encounter a signal that appears faulty have several ways to report the problem, including contacting the traffic management team or calling 101 when no crew is available. The latest warning is intended to prevent further offences and reduce the risk created when motorists choose to ignore red signals.
Motorists travelling through Workington and other areas with temporary traffic lights are being urged to follow the signals at all times. If a light appears to be malfunctioning, drivers should report the issue rather than attempting to pass through a red signal. Police have made clear that doing so can result in both a financial penalty and penalty points, while following the correct reporting process allows genuine problems to be addressed safely.
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