Going through a level crossing on amber..?

Jlawson118

I'm 20 and I've been driving my first car for just over a month now, and on my lessons, I never really learnt too much about level crossings.

But today, I went on a drive to the coast and on the way back, I was going down this country road at 60mph when I approached this level crossing. I eased off to slow down and prepare but it was clear and then just as I got to the crossing, the amber lights started flashing and I wouldn't have braked to a full stop in time I don't think, so I just proceeded to cross.

But this crossing had cameras on it, and I'm wondering if I should be expecting a fine to come through or something? Or should I be fine going through on amber?

bod1467

I presume this is a lights-only crossing and not lights with barriers?

EdGasket

The cameras are more likely there to check there is nothing on the line and prevent an accident rather than fine motorists. Anyway if you were that close that you couldn't stop I don't see why you would get a fine assuming you weren't speeding.

I guess its like with pedestrian crossings; you should approach assuming you might need to stop. When I learnt to drive we had to change down to third gear when approaching crossings of any sort.

Jlawson118

bod1467 wrote: »

I presume this is a lights-only crossing and not lights with barriers?

It did have barriers too as I checked my mirrors once I passed and they were just closing down

Jlawson118

EdGasket wrote: »

The cameras are more likely there to check there is nothing on the line and prevent an accident rather than fine motorists. Anyway if you were that close that you couldn't stop I don't see why you would get a fine assuming you weren't speeding.

I guess its like with pedestrian crossings; you should approach assuming you might need to stop. When I learnt to drive we had to change down to third gear when approaching crossings of any sort.

My sat nav was warning of the camera so I think the cameras are there to spot dodgy drivers. And yeah i also got taught to go into third and I did, but as I got closer and saw nothing was coming, I stopped slowing down, and it was as I started getting up to speed again where it started. I wasn't speeding

unforeseen

I 5hink you need a rethink of your driving style if you approach level crossings at a speed where you can't safely stop in time.

jimmy_cricket

We have a level crossing like this near us and have always seen the amber as a warning.

The Highway Code 293 says that you must stop for the red light and makes no mention of the Amber

Like others have said, you really need to reconsider your speed, especially as a new driver

Umkomaas

Like others have said, you really need to reconsider your speed, especially as a new driver

Especially if this really was a true 'country road' with a new driver who has been driving a first car for only just 1 month, charging along at the absolute maximum speed limit on a maximum speed limit road.

You need to get a measure on your inexperienced driving skills and ability at that speed, otherwise the only measure that will be applied to you will be an undertaker's tape! Not only to you, but to others you just might take out with you!

What's this doing on a parking forum anyway?