Drivers in Nottingham who have been caught driving through a red traffic light can opt to attend a workshop as opposed to taking a three point endorsement and a fine. The of the workshop is to help motorists fully understand the danger involved in failing to comply with an automated traffic signal. Also to raise awareness of the potential consequences of such actions and so change driver behaviour.

There is much that driving instructors in Nottingham can teach pupils with regard to traffic lights. One of the workshop aims is to explore why drivers commit red light offences. The problem can begin before a driver even reaches their car. Leaving insufficient time for the journey or being unrealistic as to how much traffic there is on the road for that time of day can lead a driver to rush to meet a deadline. Feeling pressure to make deadlines can tempt drivers to try and beat the lights. This can be a problem with professional drivers who may have a number of destinations to reach in a given day. Instructors can help pupils to plan a drive by selecting routes for lessons and timing the journey.

Many Nottingham drivers do not understand what each traffic light phase means. Red means stop and wait at the stop line. Many drivers from overseas will stop in the middle of a junction when turning right after seeing a red light intended for another road. This can easily lead to a rear end shunt. If there is no stop line then the red light is not for you. At temporary traffic lights the warning sign replaces the stop sign.

Amber means stop unless you have already crossed the line or to attempt to stop would be dangerous. This is where mirror checks are essential. If a vehicle is following close behind then drive through the amber light. If no one is behind you know you can brake harder. Green means go if the way is clear. Many motorists set off and then look afterwards only to find the way is blocked and so get caught in the middle of a junction.

Many pupils feel imagined pressure from following drivers when moving off in a car. On dual carriageways with traffic lights slowing down from high speed can take a large distance. Pupils need to learn to anticipate the lights changing. If a green light has gone stale, meaning it has been green for some time then be prepared for them to change and approach at a lower speed.

Driving through a red light puts you in danger from traffic approaching from the sides who will be on a green light. People supervising new drivers will need to ensure that pupils scan ahead for them. It is especially easy to neglect seeing pedestrians when turning left. Teaching early identification of the junction combined with a suitable approach speed will help pupils avoid committing red light offences in the future.