Staten Island Councilmember Pushes for 'Right on Red' Ban Relief Amid Mixed Reactions from Residents.
A Republican lawmaker in Staten Island is urging the city's transportation department to conduct a study on lifting the borough's strict right-on-red ban, citing differences in traffic dynamics and pedestrian activity compared to other parts of New York City.
Councilmember Frank Morano believes that with careful analysis, it could be possible to identify select intersections where allowing drivers to turn right at red lights would not compromise safety. The proposed study would examine factors such as visibility, space available for turning, car traffic volume, and pedestrian activity.
However, opinions on the proposal are sharply divided among Staten Islanders. Some argue that lifting the ban would greatly reduce commute times, while others express deep concerns about the potential risks to pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren.
At Amboy Road and Huguenot Avenue, one of the intersections targeted by Morano's bill, locals say allowing right turns on red lights would put hundreds of kids flooding the sidewalks every morning and afternoon at risk. Residents near Elias Bernstein Intermediate School, another proposed study site, point out that these areas are actually devoid of foot traffic during school hours.
Meanwhile, local drivers like Tony Forna argue that the current ban makes turning right before the light changes more perilous for children who cross the street after school lets out.
The city's transportation department claims that 186 intersections on Staten Island currently allow right turns at red lights, citing clear visibility and sufficient gaps in traffic. However, Councilmember Morano insists that a comprehensive study is necessary to determine which areas are safe enough for the ban to be lifted.
Ultimately, Morano emphasizes that his proposal is not ideologically driven but rather practical, focusing on engineering, safety, data, and real-world traffic conditions unique to Staten Island.
A Republican lawmaker in Staten Island is urging the city's transportation department to conduct a study on lifting the borough's strict right-on-red ban, citing differences in traffic dynamics and pedestrian activity compared to other parts of New York City.
Councilmember Frank Morano believes that with careful analysis, it could be possible to identify select intersections where allowing drivers to turn right at red lights would not compromise safety. The proposed study would examine factors such as visibility, space available for turning, car traffic volume, and pedestrian activity.
However, opinions on the proposal are sharply divided among Staten Islanders. Some argue that lifting the ban would greatly reduce commute times, while others express deep concerns about the potential risks to pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren.
At Amboy Road and Huguenot Avenue, one of the intersections targeted by Morano's bill, locals say allowing right turns on red lights would put hundreds of kids flooding the sidewalks every morning and afternoon at risk. Residents near Elias Bernstein Intermediate School, another proposed study site, point out that these areas are actually devoid of foot traffic during school hours.
Meanwhile, local drivers like Tony Forna argue that the current ban makes turning right before the light changes more perilous for children who cross the street after school lets out.
The city's transportation department claims that 186 intersections on Staten Island currently allow right turns at red lights, citing clear visibility and sufficient gaps in traffic. However, Councilmember Morano insists that a comprehensive study is necessary to determine which areas are safe enough for the ban to be lifted.
Ultimately, Morano emphasizes that his proposal is not ideologically driven but rather practical, focusing on engineering, safety, data, and real-world traffic conditions unique to Staten Island.