Millions of dollars are wasted because Brisbane intersections are constructed or 'upgraded' without a sensible left turn lane being included in the plan.
Dispersal of left turning traffic without the need for traffic signals keep intersections and roundabouts clearer.
Left turn lanes are a safer option to disperse traffic than a Gold Coast plan to trial a "stop and ignore a red light to safely turn left" trial.
A shocking failure by the City Council is on Pine Mountain Road where they constructed a 3 bay car park metres from a busy roundabout.
A left turn lane when Brisbane City Council spent tens of thousands on the site would have helped avoid the congestion that builds up each day.
Another bad example is a left turn into Stanley Road near Carina League Poker Machine Central. Council scored money from the Feds and rebuilt a right turn lane off Creek Road but were prevented from constructing a sensible left turn lane.
LNP will introduce turn left on red after a trial on the Gold Coast.
It should be identifying hundreds of poorly planned intersections begin constructing sensible left turn lanes.
Where congestion can be improved dramatically it should purchase property to allow intersections to be upgraded.
Reducing the amount of government signage and clutter on the roads would help make them safer.
Promotional signs advising road improvements will be or were made stay permanently.
Around QE2 Council has the most ridiculous clutter, huge signs saying "This Sign is Not in Use." Derrr.
Transport, the RACQ and Police have 'Local Traffic Committees' that help decide the best places for Police to raise revenue but their minutes are not available for scrutiny.
Update RACQ rejects "STOP AND IGNORE RED LIGHT" stunt.
"The move also dilutes the message that red traffic lights mean stop, without exception... Any
change to the application of road rules requires a communication
strategy to raise community awareness of the change to help reduce
confusion." (Courier Mail)
Left on red trial keeps traffic flowing
Selected Gold Coast intersections will allow drivers to turn left at a red light as part of a new trial to improve traffic flow.
The trial would allow vehicles to turn left at selected intersection after giving way to other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
“This system operates in other Australian cities and we believe it can save drivers time and reduce congestion at some intersections,” Mr Emerson said.
“The left turn on red trial is a low cost option that aims to reduce delays at intersections for vehicles turning left when stopped at red traffic lights. We have listened to both the benefits and concerns raised about this traffic movement and agree that a safe trial that measures congestion will determine whether this program will be rolled out in other sites across the State.”
Signage would be funded by Gold Coast City Council and would be done in a way that ensures safety was maintained.
“It shows just what can be achieved when Government works together with local councils,” Mr Tate said.
“When the trial begins, if a driver approaches a red light from the left hand lane at one of the trial intersections, they must fully stop first and then scan the entire intersection ensuring the path is clear of any other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
“Only then are drivers able to continue their journey and safely turn left.
“Until the trial starts it will be business as usual on the roads and all other red lights at other intersections must continue to be obeyed otherwise the usual fines will apply.
“Left turn on red is used at selected intersections in NSW, Northern Territory, South Australia and ACT.”
The chosen intersections will display a sign, which features the words ‘Left turn on red permitted after stopping’ in black letters on a white background.
The Council, Transport and Main Roads and Police will finalise locations in the coming weeks.
[ENDS] 8 November 2012
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