Clamp down on drivers who speed through amber light

Besides catching red-light violators, the Traffic Police should consider clamping down on amber-light violators. In a poll by insurer AXA this year, six in 10 admitted to running an amber light. (“More drivers caught with new red-light cameras”; Nov 11)

The amber light warns motorists to stop unless it is unsafe to do so, which means they may keep going only if they have crossed the stop line or are so close to it that stopping might cause a collision.

The amber-light period allows them to clear the junction safely. For many motorists, however, amber means speed up even though they can stop in time. This is a misconception; the amber light is the beginning of the red-light phase.

While the danger of beating the red light has been emphasised, little is said about the danger of running the amber light or of pedestrians starting to cross a junction when the green man is flickering.

Motorists and pedestrians presume they have the right to do so without regard for other road users. Instead of slowing down as they approach a signalised junction, motorists are treating the amber and red lights as optional stop indicators.

This creates risky traffic situations. To curb this, the Traffic Police should programme the digital cameras to snap pictures when drivers speed through an amber light before the stop line. The penalty should be the same as for red-light violators.

Ultimately, though, we should obey all traffic rules, whether there are cameras or not, for our own safety and that of other road users.