Red light offences

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FIN/26/004558/L

Version Date: 06/05/2026

The Road Safety Department has provided the following information:

Please provide this information for the most recent three years available:

The number of offences recorded for failing to comply with a red traffic light.
1682.

The number of cases where motorists stated that they crossed a red light in order to allow an emergency vehicle to pass.
No information held.

Of those identified in Question 2:

The number where enforcement action was cancelled or discontinued
The number where enforcement action proceeded
The number resulting in prosecution or penalty
Not applicable.

Please provide any policies, guidance, or internal documents relating to motorists crossing a red light to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Please provide any guidance issued to:

Officers
Camera enforcement teams
Central Ticket Offices
Staff reviewing notices

Please confirm whether your force has any public guidance relating to motorists crossing a red light to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Please provide details of any cases where motorists successfully challenged enforcement on the basis of allowing an emergency vehicle to pass.
We do not have a policy, we signpost drivers to the following resources that explain what to do when confronted by an emergency vehicle.

It recommends that a member of public should not travel through a red light to make way for an emergency vehicle.

Blue Light Aware - YouTube

Emergency services approved advice : stay safe and legal when making way for that ambulance