More than 1,500 drivers in the UK have been caught running red lights over and over again, according to new traffic data.
Out of 1,548 motorists convicted of repeat offences, two drivers were caught blowing through red lights an unbelievable five times. Another 54 drivers were caught three times, while seven ignored red lights on four separate occasions.
These offences result in a TS10 endorsement, which stays on your driving record for four years. It’s handed out to anyone who fails to obey traffic lights.
For a one-off offence, running a red light usually means a £100 fine and three penalty points. But the consequences can be far more serious.
Department for Transport figures show that in 2023, 23 people were killed and 1,658 were injured in crashes where a driver ignoring traffic lights was listed as a contributing factor.
The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, only show part of the picture. But road safety charity IAM RoadSmart says they prove some drivers simply aren’t getting the message.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and standards, said: "Sadly, it appears that being caught once isn't a sufficient deterrent for some drivers who continue to dangerously put others at risk.
"In the absence of police at lights, the use of cameras sends a message that ignoring a red light will result in enforcement action against the driver.
"Some motorists have also got themselves into a bad habit of seeing an amber and speeding up to beat the signals.
"The Highway Code is clear: amber means stop unless you have passed the white line or so close to it that to stop might cause a collision."
The DVLA data also revealed that 13 drivers were convicted for failing to stop for a school crossing patrol over the four years up to October 11. These offences carry a TS60 endorsement, given to drivers who ignore a lollipop person outside a school.
