'Left turn on red' scheme to be scrapped
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RACQ has warned motorists to keep their wits about them at intersections after the State Government moved to scrap a program allowing drivers to turn left on a red traffic light.
The Courier Mail reported the left turn on red (LTOR) signals would be removed at 17 intersections across Brisbane following a State Government review of the trial scheme.
RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said LTOR was first trialled to reduce delays at certain intersections, but the results indicated pedestrian and cyclist safety was put at risk for little time-savings benefits.
“Under LTOR rules, motorists can turn left at a red light after coming to a complete stop and giving way to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at specific intersections,” Ms Ritchie said.
“But the trial has been ongoing for eight years so many local drivers may have become accustomed to making the manoeuvre at their local intersection.
“It will take a little time for motorists to get used to the changes, so we implore the State Government ensure there is plenty of signage and education before any fines are issued.”
Ms Ritchie said infrastructure upgrades at busy intersections should be considered in lieu of LTOR to alleviate congestion around Brisbane.
“These LTOR turns did deliver some time-savings but there are safer ways to minimise delays and protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians,” she said.
“The State Government and Council should be looking to install left turn slip lanes or green left turn arrows at those intersections to resolve congestion without compromising safety.”
The following ‘Left Turn on Red Signs’ slated for removal
•Ascot: Kitchener Road Ascot: Kitchener Road (southern leg) into Lancaster Road
•Belmont: Meadowlands Road into Belmont Road
•Coopers Plains: Beaton Street into Orange Grove Road
•Chermside: Milburn Street into Webster Road
•Deagon: Adams Street into Board Street
•Moorooka: Durack Street into Ipswich Road
•Murarrie: Edge Street into Creek Road
•Paddington: Given Terrace into Fernberg Road
•Runcorn: Archives Avenue into Compton Road
•Stafford: Billabong Street into Webster Road
•Stafford: Wilgarning Street into Webster Road
•Stafford: Wolverhampton Street into Webster Road
•Sunnybank: Wynne Street into Beenleigh Road
•Taigum: Muller Road (southern leg) into Beams Road
•The Gap: Payne Road into Waterworks Road
•Upper Mount Gravatt: Delavan Street into Newnham Road
•Wavell Heights: Newman Road into Hamilton Road.
RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said LTOR was first trialled to reduce delays at certain intersections, but the results indicated pedestrian and cyclist safety was put at risk for little time-savings benefits.
“Under LTOR rules, motorists can turn left at a red light after coming to a complete stop and giving way to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at specific intersections,” Ms Ritchie said.
“But the trial has been ongoing for eight years so many local drivers may have become accustomed to making the manoeuvre at their local intersection.
“It will take a little time for motorists to get used to the changes, so we implore the State Government ensure there is plenty of signage and education before any fines are issued.”
Ms Ritchie said infrastructure upgrades at busy intersections should be considered in lieu of LTOR to alleviate congestion around Brisbane.
“These LTOR turns did deliver some time-savings but there are safer ways to minimise delays and protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians,” she said.
“The State Government and Council should be looking to install left turn slip lanes or green left turn arrows at those intersections to resolve congestion without compromising safety.”
The following ‘Left Turn on Red Signs’ slated for removal
•Ascot: Kitchener Road Ascot: Kitchener Road (southern leg) into Lancaster Road
•Belmont: Meadowlands Road into Belmont Road
•Coopers Plains: Beaton Street into Orange Grove Road
•Chermside: Milburn Street into Webster Road
•Deagon: Adams Street into Board Street
•Moorooka: Durack Street into Ipswich Road
•Murarrie: Edge Street into Creek Road
•Paddington: Given Terrace into Fernberg Road
•Runcorn: Archives Avenue into Compton Road
•Stafford: Billabong Street into Webster Road
•Stafford: Wilgarning Street into Webster Road
•Stafford: Wolverhampton Street into Webster Road
•Sunnybank: Wynne Street into Beenleigh Road
•Taigum: Muller Road (southern leg) into Beams Road
•The Gap: Payne Road into Waterworks Road
•Upper Mount Gravatt: Delavan Street into Newnham Road
•Wavell Heights: Newman Road into Hamilton Road.
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The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.