I drive a tanker lorry 4 a living, today as approached a set of traffic lights they changed to red. doing 40,?

genghis_john2005

You shouldn't have anything to worry about, there is a 'point of no return' for lorry drivers because, as you said, we can't stop as fast as any other driver because we're so heavy and bulky, in fact, it's dangerous to even attempt it.

josiejump1

approach with caution so get your wallet out

Russ

Having been a driver for many years I think it is fair to say that it will be your own fault if you do get a ticket. You should always slow down for ANY junction, and considering the road conditions today, even more so. You should have thought about the 20+ tonnes of motor BEFORE you approached the junction, imagine that ploughing into a car or motorbike or pedestrian. Doesn't bare thining about does it. Next time - JUST THINK...

bikerwookiejim

I did the the same thing on the M40/A46 island in Coventry. Fully loaded artic, green when the cab went through, red for the trailer.

I got a Â£60 fine and 3 points........a camera has no judgement like a police officer does.

Vince M

The problem with the appeal is that the court (or whatever authority presides in you country) will hold that if you weren't able to stop the lorry in time to avoid running the red light, that you were traveling too fast for the road conditions.

In other words, if you had the time to make the judgement that you couldn't stop without losing control, then you had the time to make the decision to drive slower.

Whether or not you get a traffic citation for this incident, I would still advise you to reconsider your driving habit. If a vehicle entered that intersection while you light was red, do you think you could get away with the excuse that you were surprised that a green light changed to red? It's the nature of traffic lights to change. You shouldn't have been surprised and you should have let off the accelerator as you approached the intersection even though the light was green. This would be true in dry weather and even more so in inclement weather.

supermobe25

they will say that you were traveling too fast for conditions so not a good excuse, you should of been traveling at a safe speed to react, what if instaed of a light there was a child in the street that just wondered off the sidewalk, could you have safely stopped for the child or were you traveling too fast for the conditions, I am also I truck driver of 13 years with heavy haul..

grenmatta

So the traffic lights changed to red without the usual amber phase, did they? If you are a professional tanker driver you should have been watching the lights more carefully and preparing to stop if they changed. The weather conditions just mean you should have been looking further ahead or driving more slowly to suit the prevailing conditions. I don't think you will get very far with an appeal. If you do get summonsed just pay up and don't make it worse by arguing. If I was plod and you told me that story I'd be wondering if I get you for "driving without due care and attention" as well.

poor o

it happens... unlucky mate

Twisted_Ace

You were approaching a set of traffic lights.
The roads were icy.
You knew the lights could change.
You didn't anticipate that change
You didn't slow down.
Your ignored the amber light (which means stop).
You ignored the red light (which means stop).
You had a full load.
You weren't driving according to the road conditions.
You have no defence.

Whatever fine and points you get, it will be better than the carnage you could have caused by running a red light (and one day you WILL cause carnage, if you keep driving like that...).

Fred C

What, no yellow? You know, that warning signal that the light will be turning red? That yellow light that should have had you slowing already? You do know that a magistrate will ask that, I presume. I would think he may also suggest you were possibly driving too fast for conditions
Here's the thing. A camera ticket is relatively anonymous. You get the ticket and pay it, but the licence isn't attached to the ticket. If you appeal it, and lose, now the licence is attached, and it goes on the driving record. At least that's the way it is here.

And, it may not have been a camera. If you didn't see a flash, the question may be moot.

Mostin46

As a professional LGV driver ( 44 ton ), I would say that if you get a ticket / fine, then you're going to have to take it on the chin m8. I appreciate it can be " tricky " when approaching traffic lights which are on green and you're at that point when, even if you've reduced your speed, and the lights change to red, you literally are " at the point of no return ". However, the sensors / strips in the asphalt do take into account when you passed over them and they allow time for the trailer to pass through, so even though some of the lorry passes through whilst the light is on red, the camera will not photograph you. It depends by how much you " jumped the lights " ie. whether you exceeded the allowance / grace. If you're done, then you could appeal, but, as others have said, the court will probably not listen and merely say that you should have exercised more anticipation / judgement / caution and have reduced your speed esp. as you knew of the poor road conditions at the time.

puc2015

I agree but disagree I agree because It was safer for ur engine and drive shaft but if u were going through a three or 4 way intersections some ones going 60 and hits the tank boom but if it was a real camera u can appeal

Tallblond28

You could probably appeal that if you do get a fine. As it was safer not to stop.

Fellside13

Depending on the time between the lights changing and your image being taken (assuming you have), I would say you have a good case as tanker loads can be unstable during emergency braking as the weight moves forward and could cause an accident.

After all the Highway Code does say that you have to stop 'unless to do so would cause an accident'

This is typical example of the unforgiving nature of a camera.

((LOON))

sOME of what look like cameras actually are not? and if they were i'd say you had a valid case in all honesty...

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