Millions of drivers could benefit from the re-introduction of an axed road rule aimed at improving the flow of traffic and allowing commuters to get to where they’re going sooner. It would allow motorists to drive through red lights in a certain scenario and appears to be very welcomed by most drivers.
The road rule was previously trialled under the former Labor state government in Queensland but was scrapped in 2021 over safety concerns. However, it could be set to make a comeback with the Brisbane Lord Mayor pushing for it to be brought back at a number of intersections around the city.
The rule, which is sanctioned in other parts of the country, means drivers can turn left at certain intersections after coming to a stop, even if the light is red.
“A few years ago we ran a really successful trial of ‘left turn on red’ at almost 50 intersections in Brisbane,” Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in a social media video promoting the change.
“People loved it, 85 per cent of people we talked to said it was a great thing. But sadly, the former state government shut the program down.”
The city council has written to the Liberal state government and its transport minister asking for the road signs, and the rule, to be reinstated.
“We’d like to get this up and running again in Brisbane,” the mayor said.
And the concept would be far from foreign for local motorists. The trial originally began back in 2013 before expanding to more locations two years later. It was then scaled back and eventually squashed in 2021.
The Brisbane mayor is pushing for the return of the red light left turn. Source: Mayor Adrian Schrinner/Reels/ Flickr
Transport minister open to red light rule returning as road users grow
Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg is reportedly happy to consider its return as the state capital tries to deal with increasing road congestion amid a rise in population.
“We are open to this review and are seeking advice from the department on how it could be rolled out and what needs to be considered,” he told media. “As our population grows, we need to ensure there is a responsible balance between safety, efficiency, and practicality for all road users.”
When the rule was scrapped, concerns were raised that many drivers were not coming to a complete stop when making use of the allowance.
The RACQ at the time argued that the safety of pedestrians and cyclists was being put at risk for little time-saving benefits. “These LTOR turns did deliver some time-savings,” a spokesperson said at the time. “But there are safer ways to minimise delays and protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.”
Mayor Schrinner told local radio 4BC Brisbane on Wednesday that there were only two accidents attributed to the trial, “and neither involved a pedestrian or a cyclist”. Nonetheless, the peak motoring group has again urged caution with its head of public policy, Michael Kane, saying the rule can “add confusion”.
“RACQ believes safer alternatives — such as dedicated turn lanes, green arrows and slip lanes — are better long-term solutions for improving efficiency without compromising safety,” he said.
Motorists, however, appear to be in support of the road rule. Drivers stopped by 7News in the city said they would be happy to see it return.
“As long as you look to your right, so there’re no cars coming, I don’t see why not. You’ve just got to have common sense,” one driver said.
“Absolutely, I think it’s a good idea,” another said.
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