Traffic light awareness course

Running red lights presents a serious issue to other road users, including pedestrians. A driver who is detected failing to comply with a red traffic signal and who has not previously attended a course within a 3 year period, may be offered a Traffic Light Awareness Course in Cheshire. This course is only offered in Cheshire and there is no ability to a do a course anywhere else in the Country.

In the course attendees are taken through the risks of running a red light and talk through the potential consequences. Participants are asked to think about what they could do differently and why they should do it. The course last slightly less than half a day and is run in Winsford.

Once a motorist has completed a course the will be ineligible for another course offer if they reoffend within 3 years of the original offence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important: Please read the following guidance notes carefully.

Who runs the courses

Where will the course be held

What does the course involve

Do I have to do any driving

Is there a test and can I fail it

What happens after I have returned the application form

When will the course take place

How long does the course last

Can I attend a course outside Cheshire

What if I have special needs

When do I make a payment

Do I need my driving licence

If I opt to take the course do I have to pay the fine and get the penalty points

Who runs the courses?

The courses are delivered by experienced advanced driving instructors. There is no police involvement.

Where will the course be held?

All courses are held at:
The Driver Training Centre,
Verdin Exchange,
Winsford,
Cheshire
CW7 2AN

This course is not available at any other venues.

What does the course involve?

The aim of the course is to increase drivers’ awareness of:

  • the risks associated with failing to comply with traffic light controlled junctions
  • the causes and consequences of collisions at traffic controlled junctions

Do I have to do any driving?

No - This course is a classroom based theory only course.

Is there a test and can I fail it?

No - However, you will be expected to make a positive contribution to the course.

What happens after I have returned the application form?

We will write to you with full details of the course including the booking arrangements.

If you have not received the relevant documentation within 10 days of returning your application, please contact this office on 01606 364072.

When will the course take place?

As part of the course booking process, you will be given the opportunity to choose the most convenient date from the courses available. However, it should be noted that you will have to complete the course within 4 months from the date of the offence.

Failure to do so will render the offer invalid and the matter will be referred back to the officer in the case to consider summons proceedings.

How long does the course last?

The course lasts approximately 3 1/4 hours, including registration and breaks.

Can I attend a course outside Cheshire?

No, the course can only be taken in Cheshire.

What if I have special needs?

You will be asked prior to attending the course if you have any special needs. We will cater for most needs with the exception of an interpreter. In this instance, you will be expected to bring your own.

When do I make a payment?

Payment must be made in full when booking a course date.

Failure to do so will render the offer invalid and the matter will be referred back to the officer in the case to consider summons proceedings.

Do I need my driving licence?

You will be required to produce a valid photo card driving licence at the start of the course.

If you do not hold a photo card style driving licence, you will need to provide your passport or other suitable photo identification (e.g. work ID card, student card) in addition to your paper licence.

Failure to do so will disqualify you from participating on the course and the matter will be referred to the officer in the case to consider summons proceedings.

If I opt to take the course do I have to pay the fine and get the penalty points?

No - if you accept the offer and successfully complete the course, the police will not take any further action in respect of this matter.

Terms and Conditions

  • Courses are held Monday to Friday and occasionally on Saturdays. Your course must be completed within 4 months of the offence date. If you are unable to complete the course in this time, the offer of a course will be withdrawn and the matter returned to the issuing officer for court proceedings.
  • The course fee must be paid in full at the time of booking.
  • If you need to change your course date you must contact the Central Ticket Office on 01606 364072 to discuss your requirements. Any changes made within 14 days of your course date will attract an administrative charge of £35.00.
  • In the event of you being unable to attend or complete a course due to illness, a refund of the course fee will only be considered upon receipt of a Doctor’s note (MED3) with an original signature.
  • The course fee will not be refunded if you are unable to complete/attend a course for any other reason than that detailed above. Every effort will be made to offer an alternative course date. However, you will be required to pay a further full course fee at the time of re-booking.
  • You must provide details of any special needs at the time of booking. Failure to provide this information at the time of booking may mean that your needs cannot be met. The Constabulary will aim to accommodate most needs with the exception of an interpreter. In which case, you would be expected to bring your own.
  • It is your responsibility to meet any expenses or loss associated with attending this course, including travel, child care, dependant person’s provision and any loss of earnings or leave entitlement. We have no facilities to accommodate children or dependant adults.
  • If your course is cancelled at short notice (including on the day), due to unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather, you will be offered an alternative date within the 4 months from the date of your offence. Any costs or loss of earnings or leave entitlement associated with the cancelled course or attending the re-arranged course will be your responsibility.
  • Disruptive, uncooperative and unacceptable behaviour including abusive or foul language, either to other attendees or course presenters, will not be tolerated. In such circumstances, you will be asked to leave the course and your file will then be referred back to the issuing officer to commence court proceedings. No refund of the original course fee will be made and no further course will be offered.
  • If you do arrive late or fail to produce suitable photographic identification (e.g. current Passport, photo card driving licence, work place photo ID or bus-pass with photo) you will be refused admission and your course fee will NOT be refunded. It may be possible to offer you an alternative course date (providing there is sufficient time within the 4 month deadline). However, you will be required to pay the full fee for the new course.
  • For personal or religious reasons, the wearing of a head dress or item of clothing that covers the face will be permitted. However, the removal or adjustment of the garment may be requested, to confirm the identity of the attendee, prior to the commencement of the course.
  • Parking is provided at the venue but is used entirely at your own risk.
  • To satisfactorily complete the course you must attend the whole course, complete all paperwork and make a positive contribution. If you leave the course early or fail to attend any parts, you will not have completed the course. In such circumstances, your file will then be referred back to the issuing officer to commence court proceedings. No refund of the original course fee will be made and no further course will be offered.
  • You must attend the course in a fit state to fully participate (and not be incapable of participating by reason of tiredness, alcohol, drugs or other cause). If you are found to be unfit to participate, you will be asked to leave and your file will then be referred to the issuing officer to commence court proceedings. No refund of the original course fee will be made and no further course will be offered.
  • Mobile phones/pagers must be switched off for the duration of the course.
  • For client confidentiality reasons, no-one other than those attending the course will be permitted into the course training room. The exceptions to this are clients accompanied by an interpreter.
  • You must book your course within 14 days of this letter. Failure to do so will result with the offer of a course being withdrawn and the matter returned to the issuing officer for court proceedings.