Road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to think twice before attempting to “beat the lights”, warning that running red traffic signals is a dangerous gamble that puts other road users at serious risk.
The warning follows new figures from Scotland highlighting the scale of red-light offences across UK roads, showing the issue remains a persistent and worrying problem rather than an isolated one.
Data provided by Police Scotland and released by online used car retailer cinch revealed that 14,122 offences for failing to stop at a red traffic light were recorded between January 2023 and March 2026.
According to GEM, the figures serve as a stark reminder that junctions continue to be among the most hazardous areas on the road network. Vulnerable road users — including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and people legally crossing the road — are particularly at risk when drivers ignore traffic signals.
GEM is encouraging motorists to slow down as they approach junctions, remain patient and remember that a few seconds saved is never worth risking a serious collision.
