Who knows their highway code?

I'd probably stop where the sign is. I don't know why it's there so i'd just obey what's written on it to the letter. That way there's no confusion.
 
Depends where the traffic light was. If it was floating in the air like that then I would be more concerned how it was hovering and probably plow through.

Edit: If it was only me then I'd take the left turn, if there was a queue of people waiting already then i'd wait.
 
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When I was reading up for my motorbike theory test, I remember reading a rule where you must obey all temporary signs and signals but the sign in the photo isn't shown in the highway code so it isn't 100% clear. Temporary traffic lights only have these signs and no lines to cross which makes it surprising it isn't clearer.
 
It would seem you should stop at the sign on a red light, in the highway code it refers to a know your traffic signs book if you look this up it says the sign pictured in the OP marks the line for temporary traffic lights and should not be crossed when the lights are red.
 
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[TW]Fox;22982196 said:
Please point to the exact part of the highway code which supports your position.

When a traffic light is red, you must not pass the stop line at the traffic light controlled junction.
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Well you acknowledge that the Highway Code supports the fact it is the stop line and not the lights themselves that must not be passed on a red light.

So I guess the question is, in the absence of a stop line, what counts as the point of not passing on red? You're right the Highway Code does not explicitly support my view it is the sign, but neither does it support yours. I dont think it says anything about the situation and so I would think the point at which you need to not pass when the light is on red is the sign that says, "do not pass this sign when the lights are red"

Edit: just noticed Dave's post above that would suggest some official view does say something in support of my view.

I also think context is important. I've only ever seen placement like that on busy urban roads in a complex four way flow where you know the temporary lights have been sequenced such that when you're on red you can be certain there'll be a flow of traffic cutting across the road and down that turn off.
 
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The sign does not say 'Do not pass this sign'.

There is no logical reason why you should wait there when you are not using the traffic light controlled junction. It's common sense and there is no instruction in the highway code to say otherwise.
 
I don't think I've ever seen a sign like that at traffic lights which weren't temporary, in which case it would depend on what I could see. If it was a multiple crossroads and I couldn't see into the line, I'd wait. It could be that the workies have put another set of traffic lights down the road to the left, and just put the lights you're seeing where it's convenient.

But if there were definitely no lights down the road, I'd go for it. Also, if I was on my test I'd probably wait as well. They'll fail you if they think you've run the red, but you'd hopefully only get a minor for not going if you should have.
 
The red sign at temporary traffic lights has the same function as the white line at permanent ones. The rules say stop at the sign. In the picture the sign appears to be in a daft place so I can understand why you would want to turn left without waiting. Technically you'd be running a red light though.
 
AFAIK technically the sign is supposed to be in line with the lights and not positioned like whats in that linked image. I have seen a similar method used before where the police have adviced the workers that they should align the sign and lights.
 
TBH, even if the sign wasn't there, people should be savvy enough NOT to stop across a junction when they cannot proceed forward to allow flow of traffic.
 
I did my Theory/Hazard & Mod 1 & 2 earlier this year which means nowt apart from the fact I can ride a big bike now. :p
I would take the turn & ignore that sign as to me it is for straight on/The lights.
 
If the way was clear to turn left i would. Purely to keep the flow of traffic moving and more importantly, keep me on my way.

Are the Police within their rights to pull you over if you do pass the sign while the lights are Red i wonder?.
 
Bradmax57 said:
Can't say ive ever seen a sign like that other than at tempory lights/ roadworks?
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I couldn't find temporary light .png's.

It's pretty obvious it's temporary lights as you stated, that's the only time that sign is used.

To also clear things up, the road works were being done on the main road you can see, the turning to the left wasn't affected.
 
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