Traffic lights in England work by using a sequence of red, amber, and green lights to control the flow of traffic, ensuring safety and efficiency at junctions.
Traffic Light Sequence in England
The standard sequence for traffic lights in England is as follows:
- Red: Stop and wait behind the white stop line. You must not proceed until the green light shows.
- Red and Amber (together): Prepare to proceed. This signals that the green light will appear shortly. Don't start moving yet.
- Green: You may proceed if it is safe to do so. Give way to pedestrians who may be crossing.
- Amber: Stop unless it is unsafe to do so (e.g., if you are very close to the stop line). The Highway Code advises that drivers should "stop at the line if you can do so safely."
Here's a summary in table format:
| Light Sequence | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Stop | Stop at the stop line and wait for the green light. |
| Red and Amber | Prepare to go | Get ready to move but wait for the green light. |
| Green | Go | Proceed if safe, giving way to pedestrians. |
| Amber | Caution | Stop if safe to do so; otherwise, proceed with caution. |
Important Considerations
- Pedestrians: Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road, especially when turning.
- Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs): At some traffic lights, particularly those used by cyclists, there are ASLs. These give cyclists priority by positioning them ahead of other traffic.
- Filter Arrows: Some traffic lights have green filter arrows indicating that you can proceed in the direction of the arrow, even if the main light is red, providing it is safe.
- Pelican Crossings: Pedestrian crossings (Pelican crossings) operate using a different light sequence for pedestrians, typically involving a flashing amber light for drivers after the steady amber.
- Puffin Crossings: Newer pedestrian crossings (Puffin crossings) use sensors to detect when pedestrians are crossing, adjusting the light timings accordingly. They don't have a flashing amber for drivers.
Traffic lights in England are a crucial part of the road network, regulating traffic flow and improving safety for all road users. Understanding the sequence and associated rules is vital for responsible driving.
