I live in VIC and got a 3 demerit point & $396 fine for allegedly failing to obey the traffic lights. I completely understand and agree that running a red light is dangerous & never acceptable (except in a few emergency circumstances, etc…)
What happened:
- I was stopped at an intersection with 3 lanes - Lane 1 (left) & lane 2 (center) are for going straight, with lane 3 for right turns
- I was in lane 2 (the central lane) and realised that my GPS was telling me to take a right turn
- I knew I was in the incorrect lane to make a right turn
- I indicated with my signals, checked my mirrors, did a head check before, moving into the right lane and making the right turn
- As my car was on the senor under the road - the notice said that 80.4 seconds had elapsed since the red light came on
- When I moved off the sensor - it triggered the red light camera
My circumstances:
- I entered into the intersection whilst the light for going straight was red but the turn light was amber (the photo I've attached clearly shows this)
- This is my very first traffic infringement, I have never received a fine/demerit point loss/official warning ever in my 12+ year driving history
- I would never knowingly run a red light (and my clean track record demonstrates this)
- I can already rule out any special circumstances (ie. financial, medical, homelessness, etc…) as it doesn't apply to me
Red Light Camera Image
I'm the Blue car
Have a look at the photos and let me know what you think.
At this stage I think it's worth writing a letter explaining what happened.
For others in similar circumstances, I'll keep this thread updated on it's progress and outcome.
Thanks :)
didn't read, but no chance of getting a warning