Answers to the most common questions UK motorists ask about red light cameras - including how they work, what happens if you pass through on amber, whether they also enforce speed limits, what photographic evidence is taken, and what to do if you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution.
SpeedCamerasUK.com does not operate any UK speed cameras and has no connection to UK Government, the Police, or any Safety Camera Partnership. We are unable to advise on individual speeding cases or the progress of a speeding offence. If you have a question not answered below, please use our contact form.
How red light cameras work
Do red light cameras also catch speeding drivers?
Yes, many do. The vast majority of red light cameras on UK roads are manufactured by Gatsometer - the same company that makes the Gatso speed camera - and most are capable of enforcing both red light offences and speed limits. They can be triggered by a vehicle travelling above the speed threshold at any point in the traffic light sequence, including on green, amber, or red. If you receive a speeding NIP from a junction where you believed there was only a red light camera, this is the likely explanation.
When is a red light camera armed?
Red light cameras are armed as soon as the traffic light signal turns to red. A vehicle that crosses the stop line after the signal has changed to red can be captured, regardless of how quickly the light changed or how close the vehicle was to the stop line at the time.
What photographs does a red light camera take?
A red light camera typically captures two photographs of the rear of the vehicle, including the rear number plate. The images show the vehicle's position relative to the stop line and road markings, confirming the state of the traffic signal at the time. If you receive a NIP and dispute the offence, you are entitled to request the photographic evidence from the issuing Police force.
Can a red light camera catch me if I received no visible flash?
Yes. Many red light cameras use infra-red flash technology, which is not visible to the human eye. Additionally, in daylight conditions any flash may not be noticeable. Not seeing a flash is not confirmation that you have not been caught.
I received a NIP but there is no red light camera at that location. Is this possible?
Yes. Red light enforcement can also be carried out by mobile cameras, CCTV, or Police officers. If you receive a NIP and are uncertain how the offence was recorded, contact the issuing Police force and ask for the photographic evidence and the type of camera used.
Amber lights and prosecution
I passed through the lights as they changed to amber - will I receive a NIP?
Amber lights are a signal to stop if it is safe to do so. If you were too close to the stop line to stop safely when the lights changed to amber, you are not obliged to stop. However, if the camera recorded you crossing the stop line after the signal had turned red, a NIP is possible. If the light was still on amber as you crossed the line, you should not receive a red light offence, though a speeding NIP remains possible if you exceeded the speed limit. If you receive a NIP you believe is incorrect, contact the issuing force and ask for the photographic evidence showing the state of the signal at the time.
Another car passed through the red light just ahead of me - will the camera catch us both?
The camera targets the vehicle that triggers the system. The photographic evidence will clearly show which vehicle crossed the stop line on red and at what speed. If you passed through on amber and the vehicle behind you went through on red, the images will confirm this. You should not receive a NIP for the other driver's offence.
Do red light cameras record speed on green as well as red?
Yes. Most red light cameras in the UK are dual-function and can enforce speed limits at any point in the signal sequence - red, amber, or green. Exceeding the speed limit at a traffic light junction fitted with a dual-function camera can result in a speeding NIP even if the lights were green when you passed.
NIPs and special circumstances
I went through a red light to make way for an emergency vehicle - will I still receive a NIP?
Legally, drivers must not cross a red light even to allow an emergency vehicle to pass. The Highway Code states that you should not put yourself or others at risk, and that you should not break the law to give way to emergency vehicles. UK motorists have received penalty points and fines in this situation. If you receive a NIP in these circumstances and wish to contest it, seek advice from a motoring solicitor.
I was stationary beyond the stop line when the camera flashed - am I liable?
Being stationary past the stop line after the lights changed to red does not automatically mean you will receive a NIP - it depends on whether your vehicle was recorded crossing the line after the signal turned red. If you crossed the line before the signal changed and then stopped, the photographic evidence should confirm this. Contact the issuing Police force and ask for the photographic evidence if you receive a NIP you believe is incorrect.
I think the camera was faulty when it flashed - what can I do?
If you receive a NIP and believe the camera was malfunctioning at the time, contact the issuing Police force and raise your concern in writing. You are entitled to request the photographic evidence. If you intend to contest the NIP on the basis of a faulty camera, seek advice from a motoring solicitor.
How long do I have before I receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution?
A Notice of Intended Prosecution must be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle within 14 days of the alleged offence. If you do not receive one within that period, the prosecution may not be able to proceed, though exceptions exist. Our NIP guide covers the process in full.
I was involved in a collision at a red light - will my red light offence be escalated to a more serious charge?
That is a decision for the Police based on the circumstances of the incident. If there was a collision and a red light offence is recorded at the same location, the Police may consider more serious charges depending on the evidence. You will need to wait to see if you are contacted, and if you are, seek advice from a motoring solicitor.
Got a red light camera question not answered above? Use our contact form to send it to us. Please note we cannot provide legal advice or comment on individual speeding cases.
Disclaimer: Answers published on SpeedCamerasUK.com represent the views of the site and its contributors. SpeedCamerasUK.com is not connected to any UK Police force, local authority, or Safety Camera Partnership.
Answers to the most common questions UK motorists ask about red light cameras - including how they work, what happens if you pass through on amber, whether they also enforce speed limits, what photographic evidence is taken, and what to do if you receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution.
Yes, many do. The vast majority of red light cameras on UK roads are manufactured by Gatsometer - the same company that makes the