Red light offence, no course offered.

I received a NIP for contravening a red light in Camden which I hold my hands up to.

Although I sent the completed forms back very quickly the Police have come back to me with an offer of £100 + 3 points.

I thought they would usually offer a course, Why would they not?

I was about 3 seconds in the red.   

I did a speed awareneess course back in October.

Unlike with speeding, there seem to be no guidelines for offering a course for red light contravention (not that I have seen, anyway).

Three seconds does seem a bit on the high side (bearing in mind that amber - which also means "stop" - would have been displayed for around three seconds prior to the red).

The only thing you can do is to ring them and ask them if hey would reconsider.

I would agree 3 seconds is actually quite a long time.
there are 2 junctions near me which would see you T boned at 2 seconds  into red

Thank you for your replies, does anyone have a phone number for the Camera Processing Services?  I cant find a number anywhere.

I know it's a different police force but if the Met follow the same criteria, this may explain the lack of a course:
https://www.lancashire.police.uk/faqs/conditional-offer-of-a-fixed-penalty-or-driver-retraining-course/why-have-i-not-been-offered-the-opportunity-to-attend-a-driver-retraining-course/

Offences up to 2.9 seconds into red light are eligible for Diversionary Course or Fixed Penalty

Offences 3.0 seconds and above are reported for prosecution

I called the Traffic management office and they said I was too far into the red to be offered a course.

So I'll just have to pay up and take the points.

In November 2024, I was caught apparently driving through a red light.

From what I remember I was approx 3 seconds into the red, but I've always wondered whether I really was.  (I should have checked the pictures more closely)

Inspired by this thread can I ask to see the pictures again?  If they prove that I was aleady passed the white line when the camera flashed, can I ask for my money back and any endorcements cancelled?

No.

If it was dealt with by way of a course or fixed penalty there is no way to resurrect it.

If it was dealt with in the Magistrates' Court an appeal must be lodged with the Crown Court within 21 days of conviction.

EDIT: It has just occurred to me that if it was dealt with in court you could ask the court to re-open your case under s142 of the Magistrates' Court Act. They have the power to do this if they believe it is in the interests of justice to do so and there is no time limit on that process.

I should also add that the chances of them agreeing to do that (on the basis that you have seen an occasion where another offence of the same nature was discontinued) is as close to zero as I can imagine. And that's before considering the time that has elapsed since your offence.

No.

If it was dealt with by way of a course or fixed penalty there is no way to resurrect it.

If it was dealt with in the Magistrates' Court an appeal must be lodged with the Crown Court within 21 days of conviction.

EDIT: It has just occurred to me that if it was dealt with in court you could ask the court to re-open your case under s142 of the Magistrates' Court Act. They have the power to do this if they believe it is in the interests of justice to do so and there is no time limit on that process.

I should also add that the chances of them agreeing to do that (on the basis that you have seen an occasion where another offence of the same nature was discontinued) is as close to zero as I can imagine. And that's before considering the time that has elapsed since your offence.

Thank you, I thought it would be unlikely but there’s no harm in asking.