Regional staff to look at implementing ban on right turns at red lights in some areas
Region of Waterloo staff have been tasked with doing a feasibility study on potentially banning right turns on red lights in some areas.
Regional councillor Colleen James came forward with the motion after she said a report from staff was alarming. Some of the data stated 89 per cent of pedestrian collisions happen at intersections.
'One in three pedestrian collisions are caused by turning vehicles. Fifty-six per cent of pedestrians struck had the right of way. It's concerning,' she said during a committee meeting Tuesday.
She believes it could be beneficial to ban right turns at red lights, especially in certain areas that are developing quickly.
'This is important because the community is growing. We know that it's growing, and it's not just in the core, but it's outside of the core,' she told CTV News.
Some councillors were concerned the move could lead to a blanket ban.
Councillor James said if approved, the change wouldn't be implemented at all intersections. Instead they would focus on areas staff flag as high-traffic and accident-prone outside of the core.
'This is not every single intersection there's no rights on reds. That would not make sense. That is not logical. We need the flow of traffic,' she said.
Some drivers said they weren't sold on the concept.
'We're not going across traffic impeding the other lanes that are going anywhere. It's going from the same lane pretty much to the same lane,' said a Waterloo driver.
Some said the idea doesn't hurt and could make roads safer.
'I think it might be a good thing to do. It might slow traffic up, but it might be safer for pedestrians,' said another Waterloo driver.
Staff will also consider if leading pedestrian intervals, a method where pedestrians can start crossing before vehicles get the green light, could improve safety in some places.
The study will also look at potential financial impacts and would include an analysis of collision data.
James is hoping the study will be brought back to council by the end of the year.
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