Should we have "Turn Left on Red"

Orionaut · 7 Feb 2016 at 17:28

As above.

In (at least some parts of) the USA, Drivers are allowed to turn right on a red light provided it is safe to do so.

Should we have a similar provision?

Obviously it is beholden on the driver to ensure that it is actually safe to proceed under these circumstances, both in terms of other traffic and looking out for pedestrians. (And no doubt there would be a price to pay if one has failed to do so)

To me, it seems like a reasonable provision that could free up road space and improve traffic flow at very little disadvantage.

I can however think of some junction layouts where this might not be appropriate, so there would still have to be some way of indicating which junctions allow for this and which ones do not.

But overall, I think it would be a good idea.

What say you?

Ricochet J · 7 Feb 2016 at 17:31

I think so. It works well in Germany. I'm told it works okayish in the States.

I also think we should move to km/h.

acemastr · 7 Feb 2016 at 17:33

Right on red works here, until someone doesn't stop. Providing people are competent it works well

Terminal_Boy · 7 Feb 2016 at 17:42

Turn right on red is a great idea for left hand drive countries that have a zillion traffic light controlled crossroads.

We have roundabouts instead. As we drive on the left, turning right at a red traffic light would mean cutting across oncoming traffic from 3 directions.

In short, a very bad idea.

paradigm · 7 Feb 2016 at 17:45

Terminal_Boy said:
Turn right on red is a great idea for left hand drive countries that have a zillion traffic light controlled crossroads.

We have roundabouts instead. As we drive on the left, turning right at a red traffic light would mean cutting across oncoming traffic from 3 directions.

In short, a very bad idea.

That might be why the question was about turning LEFT on red.

Clarkey · 7 Feb 2016 at 17:46

Terminal_Boy said:
Turn right on red is a great idea for left hand drive countries that have a zillion traffic light controlled crossroads.

We have roundabouts instead. As we drive on the left, turning right at a red traffic light would mean cutting across oncoming traffic from 3 directions.

In short, a very bad idea.

lolwut? He said left. Obviously right on red is retarded.

Terminal_Boy · 7 Feb 2016 at 17:50

Well, I just scored 0 on reading comprehension.

pepsilol · 7 Feb 2016 at 18:04

Yes, there is no reason to have it. You treat it just like a giveway.

NooBish AbbZ · 7 Feb 2016 at 18:14

acemastr said:
Right on red works here, until someone doesn't stop. Providing people are competent it works well

This would be my concern. However, theoretically it could work fine.

iaind · 7 Feb 2016 at 18:34

I'm struggling to think of a junction I encounter in my daily driving where it would make any sort of difference.

In large cities with a grid layout, it could work quite well - but we don't actually have that many of those and those that do (I'm looking at you Glasgow) have insane one way systems anyway

rodenal · 7 Feb 2016 at 18:39

Even then, the likes of Glasgow is actually reasonably easy and quick to navigate outside of rush hour - where the volume of traffic would negate any benefit from going through.

It could help at night I guess, but most signals seem to change to a shorter sequence then anyway

Janesy B · 7 Feb 2016 at 18:43

No because people here are too stupid.

p1RATE · 7 Feb 2016 at 18:52

Janesy B said:
No because people here are too stupid.

Drivers here are more competent than in the states, the volume of cars on the road on the other hand is more of an issue.

savagesam117 · 7 Feb 2016 at 19:29

I think so, there are two sets of lights on my way to work that if you could turn left, would help the flow of traffic so much.

Sin_Chase · 7 Feb 2016 at 20:01

No.

Some people have trouble with what we have now. It's simply not necessary, will add confusion and frustration (For other drivers wanting to do it but stuck behind people not going)

Orionaut · 7 Feb 2016 at 20:20

Sin_Chase said:
No.

Some people have trouble with what we have now. It's simply not necessary, will add confusion and frustration (For other drivers wanting to do it but stuck behind people not going)

Should I create a Poll?

(I am not sure how I do this)

(Especially on an already posted thread.)

Kaeo · 7 Feb 2016 at 20:32

Janesy B said:
No because people here are too stupid.

This. People can't even handle box junctions and not blocking entrances and exits on roundabouts.

Orionaut · 7 Feb 2016 at 20:43

Kaeo said:
This. People can't even handle box junctions and not blocking entrances and exits on roundabouts.

That ****es me off too!

(Spent 30 mins yesterday covering 200 yards because stupid ****ers couldn't understand the concept of not blocking roundabouts!! :mad:

)

Maybe such people should just be banned!

Mean while, the rest of us should still be able to negotiate left turns on Red!

Kaeo · 7 Feb 2016 at 21:04

Sadly we all get the same rules! We should introduce standard and premium levels of the highway code segregated by driving ability and horsepower.

Joke, pls no.

kaiowas · 8 Feb 2016 at 09:27

I think if it was something that we'd always had then it probably wouldn't be an issue. Trying to introduce it now would be next to impossible

1) People are idiots. Changing something an fundmental as "Red means Stop" and expecting people to suddenly start thinking about what they are doing and exercise a bit of judgement would be far too much for some people to handle.

2)There are too many junctions that were not designed to accomodate this. You'd have to have a review of every traffic lighted junction in the country to identify where this change would cause problems and either redesign those with issues (which may not be feasible in some locations) or have a situation where you can only turn left on red at some junctions (which will cause even more confusion among those who struggle to think for themselves). The cost of all of this work would be huge for such a minor benefit

3) There's a general reluctance by anyone in power to support something which could be perceived to reduce safety. Quite frankly we live in a blame culture and no politician will want to be the one who gets bad PR everytime there's a death at a junction where someone turned left on red. It would be political suicide and is much the same reason why there's general inertia around increasing motorway speed limits.