risbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has renewed calls to reintroduce a road rule allowing drivers to turn left at certain red lights, arguing it would ease congestion at busy intersections.

Cr Schrinner told council on Tuesday he had written to the state government, urging a change to Queensland road laws to permit the practice.

The city previously trialled left-turn-on-red from 2013, expanding to 50 intersections before the former Labor government discontinued the rule in 2021.

“If it’s good enough for Sydney, it’s good enough for Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.
“I’ve asked the Crisafulli government to bring Queensland’s road rules into the 21st century.”

The rule, which allowed drivers to turn left at a red light only when signposted, required motorists to come to a complete stop and give way to pedestrians, cyclists and other traffic.

Safety concerns were cited by the former government in removing the option. However, Cr Schrinner told councillors more than 15 million vehicle movements were recorded during the trial, with only two crashes – none involving pedestrians or cyclists.

“It had a good safety record,” he said.
“This is something practical we can do at low cost to help keep Brisbane moving and reduce delays for people.”

Labor opposition leader Jared Cassidy criticised the proposal, saying the mayor should provide full transparency on the data.

“We’re all for making it easier to get around, but not at the expense of people who are simply walking around their community,” Mr Cassidy said.

Cr Schrinner did not specify which intersections might be included, but said only locations deemed safe would be considered if the rule was reintroduced.