NEWBURYPORT — To turn or not to turn on red is a question many motorists have asked themselves while idling at the corner of State and High streets, pondering a north- or southbound turn.
A well-marked "No Turn on Red" sign clearly states where the law stands on the issue.
But after one city councilor pointed out the intersection was not listed in the city's traffic ordinances as one where right-hand turns are illegal, as the sign indicates, another wondered whether the restriction at the well-traveled intersection is really necessary 24 hours a day.
Discussion at Monday night's City Council meeting was primarily focused on motorists traveling up State Street from the downtown and seeking to turn right onto High Street.
"Why can't they turn?" asked City Councilor Barry Connell of the many motorists who, regardless of whether traffic is heavy or light on High Street, line up daily on the right side of State Street waiting for the light to turn green so they may continue on their way.
"People look before they turn. The idea of this 'right on red' statute that was originally passed was to allow people to exercise judgment and to avoid sitting at a stop sign," Connell said. "I believe there is no impediment to them turning to the right and getting on their way."
Councilor Ari Herzog originally raised the issue about the intersection at High and State streets as a housekeeping one to ensure the posted sign restricting right-hand turns was reflected on the city books. But his motion spurred a lively debate on a road sign that few have questioned publicly, even though it is one of the city's most disregarded — especially in the wee hours when traffic is particularly light on High Street.
Newburyport police Lt. Mark Murray said motorists frequently turn right on red, risking a $100 fine if caught. And they don't just violate it at night, he said.
"They do it all the time," he said. "They look around, see no one's coming, and they'll just go."
Herzog's motion to formally make the intersection at High and State streets the city's second "no turn on red" one passed despite Connell's objections. Some councilors felt it was a justifiable spot for the traffic control due to a poor line of sight on High Street heading in both directions.
"If we could get people to drive 30 on High Street when they're supposed to, I would agree with it," Councilor Ed Cameron said in response to Connell's idea to eliminate the right-turn-on-red restriction. "The sight lines aren't very good coming southbound or in the other direction. I think cars are just too fast on High Street, and I think it would be very dangerous if we allowed a right on red."
The only other "no right on red" intersection in Newburyport is at Storey Avenue and Low Street. That restriction is mandated by the state, Murray said.
Councilor Tom Jones joined Cameron in supporting a continuation of the no-turn-on-red restriction at State and High streets.
"In an ironic dichotomy of philosophy here, while Councillor Connell says we need less government, I'm actually going to say in this instance, rules are good," Jones said. "As someone who recalls accidents at that intersection, the sight lines southbound up State Street looking back over two lanes of traffic make that a difficult turn. It is an appropriate exception to the free-standing right on red. That's why it's in place, and it is a logical conclusion."
Connell stood firm in his beliefs, voting against including the intersection in the city's books as one restricting right turns on red. The remaining eight councilors present voted to affirm the action. Two councilors, Brian Derrivan and Greg Earls, were absent for the vote.
"Constant with my affection for bumper car rides, I'll vote no," Connell said.
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
