Millions of Queensland motorists could soon be allowed to legally turn left at red lights again, as Brisbane’s Lord Mayor pushes for the return of a controversial traffic rule scrapped in 2021.
The “left turn on red” rule – which allows drivers to turn left at designated intersections after coming to a complete stop, even when the light is red – was first trialled in Brisbane in 2013 and expanded across almost 50 intersections before being abandoned over safety concerns.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the time has come to bring it back. “People loved it – 85 per cent of people we talked to said it was a great thing,” he said in a video posted to social media. “But sadly the former state government shut the program down. We’d like to get this up and running again in Brisbane.”
The council has formally written to Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg asking for the rule and its signage to be reinstated. Mickelberg said the state government was open to the idea as Brisbane grapples with worsening congestion amid population growth.
“We are open to this review and are seeking advice from the department on how it could be rolled out and what needs to be considered,” he said. “As our population grows, we need to ensure there is a responsible balance between safety, efficiency, and practicality for all road users.”
When the rule was scrapped, critics warned that too many drivers failed to fully stop before turning, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The RACQ at the time argued the safety risks outweighed the small time-saving benefits, a view it has reiterated.
“Safer alternatives – such as dedicated turn lanes, green arrows and slip lanes – are better long-term solutions,” said Michael Kane, the group’s head of public policy.
Schrinner insists the risk is overstated, noting only two crashes were linked to the trial and “neither involved a pedestrian or cyclist”.
Many motorists, however, appear to back the proposal. “As long as you look to your right, so there’s no cars coming, I don’t see why not. You’ve just got to have common sense,” one driver told 7News. Another added: “Absolutely I think it’s a good idea.”
If reinstated, Brisbane would again join several other jurisdictions around Australia where left turns on red are permitted at selected intersections.
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