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Difficulty: MediumTraffic Lights and Signals

You arrive at a roadworks site on a single carriageway where traffic flow is controlled by portable temporary traffic lights. The signal facing you displays a steady red light, but you can clearly see that the narrowed single-lane section ahead is entirely clear of oncoming vehicles. What must you do?

  1. A
    Flash your headlights to claim priority and proceed cautiously through the roadworks
  2. Remain stationary behind the stop line until the signal changes to greenAnswer
  3. C
    Proceed past the red light while focusing solely on the road surface directly ahead
  4. D
    Drive through the red signal provided you keep your vehicle's speed strictly below 10 mph

Answer

Remain stationary behind the stop line until the signal changes to green
Under the UK Highway Code, a red traffic light conveys an absolute legal requirement to stop and remain stationary. This rule applies equally to portable temporary traffic lights at roadworks. You must wait behind the stop line or marker board until the signal displays green.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the signal aspect and its legal status under the UK Highway Code
A steady red light at portable temporary roadworks signals has the same legal force as a permanent traffic light, meaning 'Stop'.
Rule 109 and Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) require drivers to obey red traffic signals regardless of whether they are permanent or temporary.
2
Evaluate the visibility of the oncoming road versus the legal requirement
Even if the single-lane section appears completely clear, oncoming vehicles or roadworkers may enter unexpectedly, and the timing cycle is safety-calibrated.
Drivers must never anticipate or guess signal clearance times by proceeding against a red light.
3
Determine the mandatory driver response
Stop before the stop line or 'STOP' board and wait until the green signal illuminates.
Proceeding on red is unlawful and creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision within the narrowed roadworks section.

Key Concept

Legal compliance and safety procedures at temporary portable traffic signals
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Traffic Lights and Signals

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