Regional staff set to create list of intersections to consider bans on right turns at red lights
Posted Aug 13, 2025 07:44:46 AM.
Last Updated Aug 13, 2025 11:14:57 AM.
Staff at the Region of Waterloo could be looking into which intersections need extra attention to improve safety, identifying places where bans on turning right at red lights could be implemented.
Councillor Colleen James introduced a notice of motion at a Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee meeting on Tuesday that would look to direct staff to develop a report on which intersections could benefit from a ban on right turns when the light is red, or where an advanced pedestrian crossing signal could improve safety.
“We have a partnership with people and organizations that are collecting data; let’s use that data and reaffirm our commitment to safety,” said James.
According to a recent report from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), which examined traffic in Waterloo and a number of other Canadian cities, it found that about 55 per cent of near-misses between a vehicle and a pedestrian happen when the vehicle is making a right turn at an intersection.
In her notice of motion, James claims that 89 per cent of pedestrian collisions occur at signalized intersections, 56 per cent of pedestrians struck by vehicles had the right of way, and a third of pedestrian collisions are caused by a turning vehicle.
Regional staff are actively working on identifying intersections where bans on right turns at red lights could be implemented to improve safety; however, James noted that her motion would “intensify” those efforts given the nature of our rapidly-growing region. The motion would also give staff the ability to publicly share which intersections they would consider for a right turn at red light ban up front, rather than as part of a report on a capital project.
Councillor Berry Vrbanovic noted that right turns at red lights are permitted across North America, save for a few circumstances, and that he was concerned that this motion could become an attempt to see the region move in the direction of banning right turns at red lights altogether. This comment led to a clash between Vrbanovic and James.
“This is not about blanketing and making no rights on a red throughout. I think that would be absolutely ridiculous,” said James. “I think what this is asking for is just to take some of the data we have, and staff are doing this work, but ensuring that if there are major intersections where we’re seeing the trends increasing, to consider that and bring something back for us to review.”
The motion will be brought before the Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee on Sept. 9.
