Vancouver Proposes Urgent Ban on Right Turns at Red Lights

UPDATE: Vancouver City Councillor Lucy Maloney has just proposed a major motion that could transform traffic safety in the city by banning right turns on red lights at critical intersections. This urgent initiative, aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists, is set to be discussed by the Vancouver City Council next week.

Maloney, who represents the OneCity Vancouver party, argues that current regulations pose significant dangers, especially in areas where pedestrian safety programs and cycling infrastructure are present. The proposed measures would prohibit right-turn-on-red movements in locations that conflict with these safety initiatives, such as intersections featuring Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) and those with high rates of pedestrian or cyclist injuries.

The motion instructs city staff to collaborate with TransLink to implement these restrictions throughout Vancouver’s Major Road Network. If approved, this could mark one of the most significant reforms in the city’s traffic safety history, aligning with global trends seen in cities like Montreal, New York City, and Washington, D.C., which have already enacted similar bans.

Research indicates that allowing right turns on red lights significantly increases collision rates. Data from the City of Vancouver reveals that conflicts involving right-turning vehicles rank among the most prevalent causes of pedestrian collisions, often occurring even when pedestrians have the right of way. A study from 2015 found that approximately 13 percent of cyclist-driver collisions occur during right-turn movements.

The provincial government supports this initiative, stating that the current requirement for drivers to look for pedestrians and cyclists while attempting to find gaps in oncoming traffic creates a complex and risky situation. Their 2018 safe roadway design guide emphasizes that a prohibition on right turns at red lights would enhance safety by reducing potential conflicts.

This motion comes on the heels of a separate proposal by Councillor Sean Orr of the COPE party, which aims to measure vehicle speeds at locations where fatal accidents have occurred. Both proposals underscore the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures in Vancouver, particularly as the city experiences an alarming rise in traffic-related incidents.

The public and city officials are now keenly awaiting the Council’s decision on these vital safety measures. As cities worldwide increasingly adopt stricter traffic regulations, Vancouver’s potential ban on right turns at red lights could set a precedent for future urban safety initiatives.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the City Council prepares to deliberate on these crucial motions next week. This could be a pivotal moment for road safety in Vancouver, with far-reaching implications for its residents.