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Providence council weighs phased ban on turning right at red lights
A City Council proposal would bar right turns on red in downtown Providence beginning Jan. 1, then extend the restriction citywide by 2028. Supporters say it could reduce danger to pedestrians; some drivers worry about congestion and inconvenience.
Providence officials are considering a phased ban on right turns at red lights, starting downtown on Jan. 1 and expanding citywide by 2028 under a proposal before the City Council.
The proposal is intended to reduce the risk of drivers hitting pedestrians in crosswalks. Mayor Brett Smiley said drivers turning right may be watching for traffic approaching from the left instead of noticing people at the intersection.
Under the plan, a driver’s first violation would bring a warning, with fines for later violations. The measure was scheduled for another City Council reading Thursday night. The proposal’s status after that reading was not reported.
Reactions among Providence residents were mixed. One resident, David, said the restriction could help pedestrians but might inconvenience drivers. Francisco, an Uber driver, argued it could worsen traffic congestion. Speaking in Spanish, he also said people using cellphones and social media need to pay more attention to their surroundings.
Smiley acknowledged the city would have to weigh pedestrian safety against the effect on drivers, saying the restriction could be an annoyance and that officials should seek a middle ground.