Torque Cars chat forums - View Single Post - Is it illegal to go through a light on amber?

***HDi fun*** · 20-05-2008, 06:24 PM

Flashing amber is OK provided THE WHOLE CROSSING is clear of pedestrians. For example' you cannot go if there are still pedestrians on the other side of the road!!! This is the same rule as applied at zebra crossings.

As to the Green > Amber change the highway code states that you MUST stop if it's SAFE to do so.

To my mind the emphasis is on the word safe. Just because you are able to anchor up from 30mph in four yards doesn't make it sensible to do so. If nothing else it's bloody uncomfortable for your passengers.

I wonder how the Police panda car driver behind me would react if I stood on the brakes in response to an amber and he ran into the back of my car? Technically his fault for being too close, I suppose, but it would be a needless accident all the same.

Does the law say that you MUST NOT STOP if it would be dangerous to do so? NO.

And that's the subletly or stupidity of it.

I agree with Waynne - it's probably a one sided gripe with a lot of convenient omissions.

I can't see how a Policeman can decide that it's dangerous for you to go on amber yet it's safe for him to do so 2 seconds LATER!! Especially if the Police car is not showing emergency lights.

20-05-2008, 06:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
*HDi fun* Moderator Torque Junkie Car: Peugeot 406 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SOUTH EAST Posts: 2,586	Re: Is it illegal to go through a light on amber? Flashing amber is OK provided THE WHOLE CROSSING is clear of pedestrians. For example' you cannot go if there are still pedestrians on the other side of the road!!! This is the same rule as applied at zebra crossings. As to the Green > Amber change the highway code states that you MUST stop if it's SAFE to do so. To my mind the emphasis is on the word safe. Just because you are able to anchor up from 30mph in four yards doesn't make it sensible to do so. If nothing else it's bloody uncomfortable for your passengers. I wonder how the Police panda car driver behind me would react if I stood on the brakes in response to an amber and he ran into the back of my car? Technically his fault for being too close, I suppose, but it would be a needless accident all the same. Does the law say that you MUST NOT STOP if it would be dangerous to do so? NO. And that's the subletly or stupidity of it. I agree with Waynne - it's probably a one sided gripe with a lot of convenient omissions. I can't see how a Policeman can decide that it's dangerous for you to go on amber yet it's safe for him to do so 2 seconds LATER!! Especially if the Police car is not showing emergency lights.