Red Light Camera Speed Camera
Cameras at traffic-light controlled junctions that photograph vehicles crossing the stop line during a red signal.
Manufacturer
Various (Gatsometer, Jenoptik)
Detection Method
Road sensors at stop line + rear photographs
Flash
Yes (rear flash)
Speed Tolerance
N/A — triggers on red light violation, not speed (unless combined red light + speed camera)
How Red Light Camera Cameras Work
Sensors in the road detect when a vehicle crosses the stop line after the light turns red. Two photographs are taken: one as the vehicle crosses the line, another showing it in the junction.
Key Facts
Does It Flash?
Yes (rear flash)
Typical Locations
Busy urban junctions, accident blackspots, junctions with history of red-light running
Count in UK
145
Detection Method
Road sensors at stop line + rear photographs
How to Identify a Red Light Camera
- Mounted on poles at traffic light junctions
- Yellow housing (like Gatso)
- Visible road sensor strips before stop line
- Often paired with speed cameras (combined units)
Where to Find Red Light Camera Cameras
Red Light Camera cameras are most commonly found in the following areas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Red Light Camera cameras flash?
Yes, Red Light Camera cameras produce a bright rear-facing flash when triggered.
How accurate are Red Light Camera speed cameras?
Red Light Camera cameras are type-approved by the Home Office and are highly accurate. The NPCC guideline allows a tolerance of the speed limit + 10% + 2 mph before prosecution. N/A — triggers on red light violation, not speed (unless combined red light + speed camera)
How do Red Light Camera cameras detect speed?
Sensors in the road detect when a vehicle crosses the stop line after the light turns red. Two photographs are taken: one as the vehicle crosses the line, another showing it in the junction.
Where are Red Light Camera cameras typically found?
Busy urban junctions, accident blackspots, junctions with history of red-light running
Other Camera Types
Gatso
The most common fixed speed camera in the UK, named after inventor Maurice Gatsonides.
1,240 in the UK
Truvelo
A forward-facing fixed speed camera that photographs the driver. Unlike Gatso, it uses infrared flash invisible to drivers.
485 in the UK
SPECS (Average Speed)
Average speed camera system using ANPR to calculate speed over a distance. Cannot be beaten by braking at camera locations.
620 in the UK