If you read my first post you will see that I was indeed attempting to brake. I didn't try and leave it to the last minute - as I was braking approaching the junction the car behind me was not braking, obviously trying to get me to go through the lights so that he could too. I would have thought that he would have been photographed too... either his car will appear on my photograph or he will have also been sent a NIP. Shame that I can't request to see his photo too because that would show what happened.

By the sounds of everyones advice there is no point in contesting, which is what i did think to be honest. I haven't replied yet so have not been offered the awareness course - can i still be offered this if the alleged offense is not speeding but basically jumping a red light? If so, is it worth writing to them to explain the situation and to request the course?

So in this instance then is there any point in contesting? I'm not sure what legislation would work in my favour here... its just the principle that is annoying me - why should I be prosecuted if the issue was caused by some idiot behind me?

Hi everyone, I received a letter this morning advising me of Greater Manchester Police's intention to prosecute for the alleged offence of failure to comply with a traffic light signal. The offence took place on 08/12/2009 and the letter is dated 14/12/2009 (nice and speedy!). The recorded speed was 29 mph. Basically, I was being tailgated by a car when this happened - he had only been doing it for 500 metres or so, but as we were approaching the junction I was attempting to brake and he was not doing so. It got to the point where the traffic lights were on amber and I was unable to stop without ending up in the middle of the junction. Unfortunately, it was a single lane road and there was nowhere I could have pulled over before the junction to let the other car pass. I know people try allsorts to get out of these sort of offences, but this really was not my fault and I don't feel that I should take the flak for someone else's dangerous driving that caused me to act as I did. I have been doing some research and found that Section 36 (e) of the road traffic act states that "the amber signal shall, when shown alone, convey the same prohibition as the red signal, except that, as respects any vehicle which is so close to the stop line that it cannot safely be stopped without proceeding beyond the stop line, it shall convey the same indication as the green signal or green arrow signal". Does Section 36 (e) apply in this case? Under the circumstances I think that it would. Also, is there anyway of contesting it before it goes to court? 3 points is bad enough but I would hate to be given 6 points and a £1000 fine... my insurance premiums would be through the roof (they already will be if 3 points get added). I have requested the photos by email in the hope that the other car was also caught near me. I'd really appreciate your help guys as I don't feel that prosecution in this case is fair. Any advise is welcome!