My Dad rants about this on a regular basis. In Germany in the 90s, lights would either be off or flashing amber on anything but the most busy of junctions. It does seem to make more sense. I have experienced at least one big roundabout near me have lights activated only at the busiest periods, so maybe things are improving.
It's daily in Bradford, so much so I think taxis and 80% of people in the city think red means go.
Ive only been driving around 6 months, didn't take me long to get a dashcam incase the idiots get me.
I actually think bradford is on a list for one of worse areas to drive (hell I know it's a **** hole to live in and be glad once I can buy a house and get out)