Road users are furious after a popular road rule allowing drivers to turn left at red lights legally was changed.
Brisbane City Council will be reducing the number of intersections where motorists can legally turn left on red lights by at least 7.
The Council blamed Queensland Government requirements that Brisbane follow NSW’s lead on the issue for the decision.
In NSW, drivers are only able to turn left at red light intersections where less than 120 pedestrians cross the road each day.
Road users are furious after a popular road rule allowing drivers to turn left at red lights legally has been toughened
‘Although approving and monitoring the Brisbane Left Turn on Red trial, the Department of Transport and Main Roads has required Council’s trial for turn movements at intersections to be in line with New South Wales road rules,’ councillor Amanda Cooper told the Courier Mail.
The fine in Qld for failing to stop at a red light is $378 and three demerit points apply.
RACQ Queensland technology and safety head Steve Spalding told 4BC radio the road rules should be consistent nationally.
‘It’s always good to have road rules that are consistent and aligned nationally and it’s always good to benchmark against the best road rules that we have, the ones that are the most practical and have the safest outcome,’ he said.
Brisbane City Council will be reducing the number of intersections where motorists can legally turn left on red lights by at least 7
Social media users reacted with anger to the rule change with some people suggesting drivers should be able to turn left at every light.
‘Is this a joke?’ one person posted.
‘Japan has it, Korea has it..it frees up traffic and should be allowed on every light.’
A Queensland councillor blamed the Government for requiring the rule to be the same as NSW for the decision
Social media users reacted with anger to the rule change with some people suggesting drivers should be able to turn left at every light
Another person said: ‘The rule should stand at all intersections and only be sign posted when not permitted.
Brisbane City Council first trialled the left turn at 50 intersections in the city in 2013 to reduce congestion.
The intersections impacted include Mitchelton, Bracken Ridge, Windsor, Geebung, Woolloongabba and Holland Park in Brisbane.
Another eight intersections are under review.