Providence, R.I. – The Providence City Council is set to vote on a new traffic safety ordinance that would prohibit right‑turns on red. The measure would take effect downtown on Jan. 1, 2027, with a gradual rollout to the entire city by 2028.
Why the ban is being proposed
City officials say the primary goal is to protect pedestrians who cross at intersections. “We all know how drivers can be, they’re looking left to think about rolling to the right and they’re not looking at the pedestrian standing at the intersection there,” Mayor Brett Smiley explained at a recent council hearing.
How the ordinance would work
Under the proposal, first‑time violators would receive a warning. Subsequent violations would be subject to a fine, the amount of which has not yet been finalized. The council plans to monitor compliance and adjust enforcement as needed.
Public reaction
Community members expressed mixed feelings. One resident, identified only as David, told NBC 10 News, “I think that it might be helpful for pedestrians, but I could also see it being a little bit, you know, inconvenient for drivers.” An Uber driver named Francisco warned that the restriction could worsen traffic congestion, calling the idea “stupid” and noting that many drivers are distracted by cellphones and social media.
Balancing safety and traffic flow
Mayor Smiley acknowledged the need for balance. “They can be a nuisance or an annoyance for a driver. So I think we need to find a middle path there,” he said. The council will consider data from other municipalities that have implemented similar bans and will hear additional public comments at a scheduled reading on Thursday night.
What comes next
If approved, the ordinance will be added to the city’s traffic code and enforced by the Providence Police Department. City engineers will also review signal timing and intersection design to ensure the change does not create unintended bottlenecks. Residents can submit written comments to the council’s website through the end of the month.
Context for Providence drivers
Providence has seen a steady increase in pedestrian traffic downtown over the past five years, according to the city’s transportation department. While vehicle counts have remained relatively stable, the number of pedestrian‑involved collisions has risen modestly, prompting officials to explore proactive measures.
The council’s decision will be a test of how local governments can prioritize pedestrian safety without unduly hampering driver mobility—a balance that aligns with the community’s values of family safety, personal liberty, and responsible stewardship of public spaces.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
