Queensland: Government considers controversial road rule change

The green light may be given to a controversial road rule that has some critics seeing red.

The Queensland government is considering making a U-turn and reviving a rule that will allow motorists to turn left at a red light.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is the driving force behind the move, saying it will help reduce traffic congestion and “help bring Queensland’s road rules into the 21st century”.

A rule change would bring the region up to speed with the majority of Australia.

Motorists are able to turn left at a red light where a sign allows it in NSW, the ACT, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

However critics are trying to pump the brakes on the move, saying the potential safety risks outweigh any time-saving benefits for motorists.

“The Lord Mayor should have a quick trip to Specsavers and he’ll find out very quickly that red doesn’t mean green,” Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby told AAP.

“A car centric mayor who’s supposed to be running a city is more concerned about saving motorists a few seconds than the safety ... of pedestrians.”

Mr Schrinner has asked the Queensland government to consider the “Left Turn On Red” rule change for Brisbane but it may potentially take in other Queensland regions if successful.

The road rule was axed in 2021 by the former Labor government in response to safety concerns following a lengthy trial in Brisbane.

Mr Schrinner said 15 million motorists turned left over the trial’s eight years and saved up to 30 seconds on average on their trip, showing the rule worked.

“This is a common sense rule that still works safely in NSW. If it’s good enough for Sydney, it’s good enough for Brisbane,” he said.

“I’ve asked the Crisafulli government to fix Labor’s mistake and bring Queensland’s road rules into the 21st century.”

The left turn on red trial in Brisbane was introduced in a bid to improve traffic flow, the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland said.

However there was trial evidence of an increased risk for pedestrians and cyclists while also causing confusion for drivers.

Dedicated turn lanes, green arrows and slip lanes were better long term solutions, it said.

“Saving a second or two at the lights just isn’t worth the increased risk of someone getting injured,” RACQ’s Dr Michael Kane said.

A left turn on red change may even increase congestion.

“More crashes caused by confusion will delay motorists and if the safety risk of walking increases, we will have even more people using their cars for local trips,” Dr Kane said.

However the Queensland government on Wednesday said it was open to a review and seeking advice on what needed to be considered for it to be rolled out.

“As our population grows, we need to ensure there is a responsible balance between safety, efficiency, and practicality for all road users,” Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said.