SA Opposition wants motorists to be able to turn left at more red light intersections, when safe
MOTORISTS would be able to turn left on a red light at more intersections if changes proposed by the Opposition are approved.
MOTORISTS would be able to turn left on a red light at more intersections if changes proposed by the Opposition are approved.
Australian road rules allow a left turn at a red traffic light — but not at a red traffic arrow — if there is a sign stating “left turn on red permitted after stopping”.
This is only allowed at six intersections across South Australia at present.
Opposition road safety spokesman David Pisoni will put legislation to Parliament requiring the Transport Department to conduct regular audits of intersections to identify more places where it would be safe to allow left turns on red.
It would restrict the legal left hand turns on a red single light to intersections where the road speed was 60km/h or lower.
Mr Pisoni said it was “commonsense law reform”.
However, Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said the change would increase the risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Mr Mullighan said studies had shown that motorists failed to obey the rule requiring them to stop before executing the turn.
“The evidence shows that turning on red lights can be dangerous, especially for cyclists and pedestrians crossing intersections,” he said.
The Opposition’s legislation will be introduced as an amendment to the Government’s Road Traffic (Roadworks) Amendment Bill, which seeks to prevent inappropriate and incorrect usage of roadwork speed limits and other traffic control measures which cause congestion on our roads.
“Our amendment will give motorists further opportunities to keep moving in traffic right around
the state,” Mr Pisoni said.
“It is now up to the Government to support our amendment for the benefit of South Australian motorists.”
A total 11 intersections initially trialled left turns on red lights after the national road rules were changed in 1999.
A statement from Mr Mullighan’s office said the manoeuvre was reversed at five intersections after the trial highlighted risks including that many drivers did not stop, as required by the law, before turning left.