What do Brits call traffic lights?

In the United Kingdom, traffic lights are commonly referred to by several names, with "traffic lights" being the most standard and widely understood term. However, you will also frequently hear them called "traffic signals," which is a slightly more formal designation often used in official documentation or by transport authorities. In casual conversation, many British people simply shorten this to "the lights," as in "stop at the lights." Another colloquial term, though less common in everyday speech now, is "pea soupers" or just "soupers," but this is quite dated. You might also hear the phrase "set of lights" when referring to a specific intersection's control system. Unlike in some other countries where specific brand names or slang might dominate, the terminology in the UK remains fairly straightforward and descriptive. The Highway Code, which governs road rules in the UK, consistently uses the term "traffic lights," ensuring clarity for drivers and pedestrians alike. Regional variations are minimal, and the term is universally understood across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.