SA drivers oppose hook turns in Adelaide
More than three quarters of South Australians don’t want hook turns in Adelaide, a recent sa move poll revealed.
The turns are commonly used in Melbourne to help motorists turn right where trains operate, but there aren’t any right-turn lanes or signals. This prevents the vehicle from blocking the tram’s path when it’s turning.
While there are several locations in Adelaide, particularly along King William Street, where a hook turn might be handy for drivers turning right, South Australians have told sa move they don’t want the manoeuvre in our state.
Just 15 per cent of people are in favour hook turns, while 78 per cent oppose the turn. Another seven per cent say they wouldn’t mind if hook turns were installed in Adelaide.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the results suggest South Australian motorists don’t think being able to perform a hook turn would be beneficial.
“In SA the tram network has been designed to accommodate controlled right turns at key locations, which provides safe movements across the tram corridor,” Charles says.
“Buses are permitted to perform hook turns at specific intersections to manage route access and this works effectively without adversely impacting the operation of other vehicle movements.”
If you’re visiting Melbourne and want some tips for negotiating hook turns, read this recent sa move story online.