Independent MLC Frank Pangallo calls for trial of hook turns in Adelaide CBD and suburbs

Adelaide would adopt a controversial road rule from across the border if a renewed push from an SA MP gets up. Have your say.

Could a Melbourne-style hook turn be the answer to Adelaide CBD’s ‘no right turn’ woes? South Australian independent upper house MP Frank Pangallo is advocating for a trial of the manoeuvre in the CBD and some busy suburban intersections.

The road rule is largely used in Melbourne and requires drivers to turn right from the left hand lane.

But Mr Pangallo believes it could help alleviate congestion as well as improve safety and traffic flow at peak times in Adelaide too.

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“There are more than 300 no-right turns in the city and greater Adelaide, causing delays and frustrations to drivers,” he said.

“Since the Marshall government banned right turns at some intersections along King William Street to make things easier for the trams, it has created a time-wasting nightmare just navigating your way to get to either the west or the east.

“And if you miss one of the few opportunities to make a right turn, it will add to the journey in costs and productivity if you can’t make your scheduled appointments.

“Hook turns can look terrifying the first time, but they have proven to be very effective in keeping traffic flowing smoothly in Melbourne, which has around 49 of them.”

Independent upper house MP Frank Pangallo wants Melbourne-style hook turns to be introduced at Adelaide intersections.

Mr Pangallo said hook turns were safer than making right turns at busy intersections with no dedicated right-turn lanes, where sometimes only one or two vehicles can pass through traffic light signal cycles.

Adelaide currently has one hook turn, restricted to buses, turning from King William St eastbound on to North Tce.

Mr Pangallo wants to see the rule expanded to other vehicles, flagging the intersection of King William, Grenfell and Currie streets as a good option to trial them and open up the east-west commute through the CBD.

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said he was happy to consider the proposal.

“I’m always happy to speak with Frank Pangallo about his proposals and give them due consideration,” he said.

But not everyone is on board with the idea.

RAA’s Charles Mountain said hook turns were “not a particularly desirable treatment”.

“I think it would take a lot of driver education to be comfortable with it,” he told 7NEWS.