Plan well ahead. When approaching a red traffic light, check what is happening behind and be prepared to slow down early. this will give the lights time to change and allow you to continue if they do change If you have to stop, you should normally apply the handbrake and select neutral. The green light means that you can proceed to drive on if it s safe. Before proceeding , it is very important to check for vehicles proceeding through the junction against the lights. Also look out for any oncoming drivers who might turn right across your path. Watch out for pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into and be prepared to hold back for them. If your exit is blocked , wait at the stop line until you can move through the junction without blocking it yourself. Remember that all the other colours except green mean stop. Try to anticipate the possibility of a green light changing and be ready to pull up. At some point on the approach , you find yourself to close to stop safely. When you have passed this point you should normally continue. Working things out as you approach will help speed up your reactions. Check how close following vehicles are and how fast they are travelling. Be sure to continually reassess what you will do if the lights change. This will save you time if the amber light comes on by enabling you to make an instant decision either to continue or to pull up.