Driving isn't usually a particularly nerve-wracking experience, but a few awkward situations can have even the most confident driver questioning what to do.

This includes being stuck at traffic lights - usually temporary ones - that we could swear haven't changed for some time.

Motorists will likely question their own judgement and assume they're being impatient, and most of the time that's probably the case.

But what about when a traffic light is faulty or broken - what's the best course of action then?

With this in mind, motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk has issued advice for drivers on how to deal with this unfortunate situation.

Tim Alcock states that first and foremost, motorists should ensure that they've left plenty of time for the lights to change from red to amber - "then it mostly just comes down to common sense."

"If you've been sitting there for a good few minutes and it's fairly obvious the lights aren't going to change," he explained, "then you'll have to make sure it's safe to proceed."

Motorists are advised that they should wait around four minutes before considering moving forward.

Tim explained: "You should be able to see ahead of you quite clearly and ideally you’ll be able to see the other set of lights, or the back of them.

"Then try winding your window down a bit to try and hear if there are any vehicles moving in your vicinity."

The motoring expert said it would be a good idea to put your lights on at this point, even if it's broad daylight, and "very cautiously start edging forward."

The situation can however get a little complicated at T-junctions, with Tim recommending treating the situation "as you would an unmarked junction or crossroads, where nobody has priority over another."

He added: "In this scenario, it’s the responsibility of every driver to approach with caution and cross safely whilst being considerate."

Motorists should also remember to report the broken or faulty traffic light to the local authority, once it is safe to do so.

In England and Wales, this can be done on the Government's website as well as through the specific council's own site.

Tim added: "A traffic light ID number can usually be found on a sticker or painted on the column too, which will help the authorities accurately locate the problem light."

And for those concerned about the consequences of running a broken red light, it shouldn't land you with a fine or penalty points.

The RAC states that whilst there are very few defences for this 'strict liability' offence, a broken light might actually be a suitable enough one.

It notes that "the only circumstances which may offer a defence include proving you did not go through the red light or proving there was a defect with the light or related signage."

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