1,055 drivers jump red lights at one Sheffield junction

A total of 1,055 drivers were caught jumping red lights at the Upper Hanover Street and Glossop Road junction, city centre, last year.

The findings, which came from a Freedom of Information obtained by esure car insurance, have been described as ‘serious’ by South Yorkshire Police.

Sergeant Lee Beck, from the road policing unit, said: “Running a red light is a serious matter as traffic light systems are in place for a reason – whether that’s managing the flow of traffic or allowing pedestrians to cross the road safely.

“By ignoring this clear indication to stop, you could be putting yourself, your passengers and others at risk. It’s not worth taking that chance, so please respect the rules of the road – they are there for your safety.”

Out of the offenders, 11 per cent did so because they were in a rush, six per cent felt pressure from the car behind and five per cent were frustrated at being stuck in traffic for a long time.

The maximum penalty for running a red light is a fine of £1,000 and three penalty points, but drivers are usually given a fixed penalty notice, which is a fine of £100 and three penalty points.

Jon Wilshire, of esure said: “The rise in drivers running red lights is down to people’s lifestyles – they’re busy and in a rush and just want to sneak through the red light and get to where they need to be. However, running a red light is not a very bright thing to do.

“Aside from the obvious danger and increased chance of ending up in an accident, you could get points on your licence plus you could be out of pocket and fined £1,000.”