Staten Island drivers would be able to turn right on red under new bill

Staten Island drivers could get the green light to turn on red under a new bill proposed Thursday by borough councilman Frank Morano — which he argues will cut down congestion and speed up commutes.

Making a right turn on a red light is illegal in New York City unless a sign explicitly permits it, despite a law allowing the maneuver in the rest of the Empire State.

“Staten Islanders spend far too much time waiting at empty intersections where a safe right turn could be made,” Morano said in a statement. 

“This is about data and common sense — not guesswork.”

The councilman argued that allowing drivers to turn on red will reduce congestion, cut down on emissions, and considerably shorten commute times.

The state law was introduced in 1977 and was designed to do just that — save energy and reduce idling pollution, according to a New York Times report at the time. 

Some intersections on Staten Island already permit the maneuver, but the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a traffic study to be performed before it can be allowed at new intersections.

Morano’s bill, Intro 1469, would require the DOT to conduct a study on the feasibility and safety of allowing right turns on red following a complete stop at each intersection in the borough with a traffic control signal.

“If there are intersections where right turns on red can be done safely, then Staten Islanders deserve that efficiency,” Morano said.

“If there are places where it can’t be done safely, then we leave those alone. It’s that simple.” 

The study would consider the turning patterns of larger vehicles and the impact of the maneuver on pedestrians, cyclists, traffic and the environment.

Under Morano’s bill, the DOT would issue a progress update within six months and a final report within one year.

The proposal, referred to the council’s committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Thursday, has already received bipartisan support from fellow Staten Island reps David M. Carr and Kamillah Hanks. 

“This is a common-sense bill that will make traffic move quicker in a borough where we depend on our cars to get around,” Carr said.

Morano and Carr slammed the one-size-fits-all approach to New York City’s right-on-red rules in a joint statement, arguing their constituents have different needs due to Staten Island’s “unique transportation reality” and abundance of drivers.

Nearly 85% of Staten Island households own a vehicle, compared to 63% of Queens and 44% of Brooklyn households, according to figures from Hunter Urban Policy & Planning at Hunter College.

“Staten Islanders have dealt with a slew of unnecessary restrictions on their primary mode of transportation for decades,” Carr said. 

“It’s time we take a step in the right direction and free up the roadways on the island.”