The number of people caught driving through red lights in London doubled in 2013, Metropolitan Police figures reveal.

The research shows 12,727 people were issued with a fixed penalty notice for neglecting to follow traffic directions, including driving through red lights, in the capital.

This represents an increase of 116% compared to the 5,888 notices issued for the same offences in 2012.

The Met also issued 21,386 people with penalty notices after being caught breaking the speed limit by speed cameras in 2013 which, although is a large figure, was still a 20% decrease compared to the 26,594 people who were caught speeding by cameras in 2012.

Throughout the whole of England and Wales, 611,849 people were caught speeding by cameras in 2013, a slight increase on the 609,216 caught in 2012 and the 599,931 caught in 2011.

In addition to this, 75,268 people were issued with penalty notices in 2013 for ignoring traffic signals.

The minimum penalty for speeding in the UK is a fine of £100 and three penalty points added to your driving licence. Licences could be revoked for having more than 12 penalty points within a three-year period.