Res. No. 518

Resolution calling upon the Legislature of the State of New York to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to allow motor vehicles to legally make right turns at red signals in Richmond County by enacting Assembly bill A.6383.

By Council Members McMahon, Gentile and Yassky

                     Whereas, State Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1111(d)(2) permits motor vehicles in New York State, except in New York City, to make a right turn at a red signal after coming to a complete stop and ensuring that such turn may safely be made so long as there is no sign specifically prohibiting such turn; and

                     Whereas, One of the goals in allowing motor vehicles to legally make right turns at red signals is to improve the flow of vehicular traffic where such turning can be safely accommodated; and

                     Whereas, The prohibition against making right turns at red signals in New York City contained in the Vehicle and Traffic Law should be reexamined with regard to its application to Richmond County, due to the fact that vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns in Richmond County are substantially lighter than is the norm in other areas of New York City; and

                     Whereas, Such lighter traffic volume in Richmond County is unique to New York City in that it allows more opportunities for a safe “right turn on red” than virtually anywhere else in New York City; and

                     Whereas, Continued application of the prohibition against making right turns at red signals in Richmond County, which has particularly light pedestrian and vehicular traffic, is inconsistent with the spirit of the state Vehicle and Traffic Law, which specifically provides for such turning to be legal in jurisdictions throughout New York State with comparable traffic patterns; and

Whereas, The existence of such traffic patterns in Richmond County makes the timing ripe for a “Right on Red” pilot program in Richmond County; and

Whereas, the New York State Assembly is considering A.6383,  introduced by Assemblyman Straniere, which would legalize right turns at red signals in Richmond County, but no companion Senate bill has been introduced; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, that the Legislature of the State of New York amend the Vehicle and

Traffic Law to allow motor vehicles to legally make right turns at red signals in Richmond County by enacting Assembly bill A.6383.

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