Thousands of drivers caught breaking major traffic rules as red lights fail to stop repeat offences

Some of the cases are particularly worrying. Two drivers were caught running red lights on five different occasions during this time.

Road safety experts warned that the numbers show that some drivers are not learning their lesson, even after being fined and given penalty points.

When a driver fails to stop at a red light, they receive a TS10 endorsement on their driving licence. This stays on their record for four years. The figures include drivers who may now be banned from driving.

The data showed that 54 drivers were caught running red lights three times, while another seven drivers were caught four times.

Many busy road junctions across the country now have cameras that automatically record drivers who cross the white line after the light has turned red.

These cameras are often used where there are no police officers present.

For most cases, running a red light leads to a £100 fine and three penalty points on the driver's licence.

However, road safety groups warned that the punishment is not always enough to stop repeat offences.

Government figures showed the serious risks caused by ignoring traffic signals. In 2023, 23 people were killed in road crashes where a driver failing to obey traffic lights was listed as a factor. In the same year, 1,658 people were injured in similar incidents.

Safety campaigners warned that these crashes are often avoidable and happen because drivers take risks or fail to pay attention.

IAM RoadSmart, a road safety charity, said the figures are a clear warning. The group said some drivers continue to put others in danger, even after being caught.

Nicholas Lyes, the charity's director of policy and standards, said: "Sadly, being caught once doesn't always stop some drivers from doing it again."

He said red-light cameras play an important role in keeping roads safer: "Where there are no police officers at junctions, cameras send a clear message that drivers will be punished if they break the rules."

Mr Lyes also warned about drivers speeding up when they see amber lights. "The amber light means stop, unless it is unsafe to do so," he said. "But some drivers treat it as a signal to speed up, which is dangerous."

The Highway Code states that drivers should stop at an amber light unless they have already crossed the stop line or stopping would cause a crash.

Under rule 176, it details: "You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing.

"Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely, or you are taking up a position to turn right.

"If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care."

The Freedom of Information request also uncovered offences near schools. Over the same four-year period, 13 drivers were convicted of failing to stop for a school crossing patrol officer, often known as a lollipop man or woman.

Drivers who ignore a school crossing patrol receive a TS60 endorsement on their licence. This offence is taken seriously because children are especially vulnerable near schools.

Although the number of school crossing patrol offences is much lower than red-light cases, safety experts say even one incident is too many.