Traffic Lights Sequence Explained
Traffic lights, also known as traffic signals, traffic lamps, traffic semaphore, signal lights, stop lights and robots, and also known technically as traffic control signals, are signalling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings and other locations to control conflicting flows of traffic
Traffic Light Failure
When a set of traffic lights have failed to work you should treat the junction as an uncontrolled junction - one where no one has priority. In such a case, you should be prepared to stop and give way.
Advanced Stop Lines
Some traffic light controlled junctions have advanced stop lines. These allow cyclists, and sometimes buses, to wait ahead of all other traffic, usually in an area marked by a different coloured road surface.
All other traffic must wait behind the first stop line, and should avoid waiting in the marked area.
When the traffic light turns to green, traffic waiting at the first stop line should be patient and allow time and space for the cyclists or bus to move off.
Approaching Traffic Lights
As you approach a set of traffic lights you should always be ready to stop. Never speed up to try and reach a green light before it chances. Look for any lane markings and get into the correct lane in good time.
- Red - stop and wait at the stop line.
- Red and amber - stop and wait.
- Green - go if the way ahead is clear.
- Amber - stop, unless
you're so close to it that pulling up might cause an accident.
Remember, a green light can change at any time. When approaching, be aware of what is happening behind, slow down and be ready to stop if the light changes. If the green light stays on, continue, but remember to check in all directions. However, if your exit road is blocked, wait at the stop line, do not drive forwards and block the junction.
Filter Traffic Lights
Filter lights indicate that you have priority the the direction shown by the arrow (see image right, which indicates a right filter lane). They may be timed to control traffic congestion at busy times. The arrow may indicate priority to the left, right or ahead.
At a left filter traffic light, when the arrow comes on you may turn left regardless of any other lights that may be showing. Before turning, check for other traffic moving in from your right.
At a right filter traffic light, when the arrow comes on you may turn right regardless of any other lights that may be showing. Check that there is no oncoming traffic before you proceed.
Filter Traffic Lights
Filter lights indicate that you have priority the the direction shown by the arrow (see image right, which indicates a right filter lane). They may be timed to control traffic congestion at busy times. The arrow may indicate priority to the left, right or ahead.
At a left filter traffic light, when the arrow comes on you may turn left regardless of any other lights that may be showing. Before turning, check for other traffic moving in from your right.
At a right filter traffic light, when the arrow comes on you may turn right regardless of any other lights that may be showing. Check that there is no oncoming traffic before you proceed.