Just did something stupid!

Finallysorted

I was sat at the traffic lights on the A12 at Colchester Rd/Gubbins Lane and as I sat and waited I noticed the lights in front of me went from red to amber to green so I proceeded forward and as I did so I glanced to my left and in my side mirror, only to notice that the cars beside me werent moving and that I had just mistaken those lights for mine when in fact they were for the traffic at the other side of the crossroads!! I could see the traffic to my left start to move slightly forward although they were far enough from me to not cause an accident. I then felt like it was too late to stop as that would have caused an accident so carried on - now I am worried that I have definitely got myself a ticket and 3 points on my license. I only got my license 6 mths ago and know it was a totally bad judgment and lack of concentration on my part - are there red light cameras at that junction? I am going to be expecting a fine in the post :-( such a wally ....does anyone else think those lights are positioned in a funny place?

mad_rich

Just had a look at what I think is the junction you're talking about. It doesn't look confusing to me, so I think one to perhaps put down to experience. We've all done it.

On the plus side, I can't see any cameras either.

facade

Finallysorted wrote: »

I was sat at the traffic lights on the A12 at Colchester Rd/Gubbins Lane
- are there red light cameras at that junction?

Have a look on streetview, there are grey traffic light cameras :eek:

You will just have to wait and see.

If you get anything in the post, try over at the peppipoo forums for help. No point trying yet, you haven't got a ticket.

Can't comment on the layout, I've seen better and worse.

Finallysorted

thank you for your replies. I didnt say that it was confusing, obviously I know which way I am going - its just the traffic lights that went green for the other side were actually facing in the same direction as the ones meant for me, so in my direction - that is what confused me but of course I know it was poor judgment on my part :-( yes it looks like I am going to have to just pay the fine when it arrives as I will be expecting it now

Strider590

I could be mistaken, but I think the red light cameras are only active for a few seconds after the lights switch to red.

Finallysorted

Facade - where do you see the grey traffic light cameras? Think I am losing my marbles over here as cant see them anywhere on the streetview but as a new driver am sure I am missing them if you say they are there?

Yolina

According to the TfL map: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/road/default.aspx?showLSCP=true
there's indeed red light cameras at that location, and there's a big grey box on streetview

Edit: which way were you going? Because the details from the camera on the TfL map when clicked on say:
A12/ Colchester Road/ -/ Gooshays Drive
Camera type :: Red-light

facade

On the streetview picture I get there is one on the left pavement outside the white facia'd flatlets, between the bus stop and the lights.

I can't see one on the other side if you were going that way

Joe_Horner

There's a camera on the west-bound carriageway (towards Romford) but not on the east-bound (towards Brentwood). Not sure if lights cameras are approved for bi-directional use across 6 lanes of traffic?

If not then you're probably ok seeing as the only potentially confusing lights I can see are the ones for the pedestrian crossing as you pass the junction towards Brentwood so I'm guessing that's the way you were headed.


eta: As mad-rich says, we've all done it (or at least the vast majority of us have) at some point if we're honest, so thank your favourite deity that no harm was done and treat it as a learning thang

hollie.weimeraner

Strider590 wrote: »

I could be mistaken, but I think the red light cameras are only active for a few seconds after the lights switch to red.

There is a live feed to the cameras for the duration of the red light cycle. The live feed is activated as the lights turn to red and de-activated as soon as the amber is illuminated.

Finallysorted

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply to my post - very kind!

Yes I was indeed travelling the other way, towards Brentwood. If I have 'got away with it' I have definitely learnt my lesson to be more focused whilst driving, especially at traffic lights!