'No Turn On Red' Restrictions Added Along Long Valley Roadway

LONG VALLEY, NJ — In an ongoing effort to create safer roadways for pedestrians throughout Long Valley, a "no turn on red" initiative has been approved for East Mill Road, according to a recently passed ordinance.

The ordinance states that all cars are prohibited from turning right at a red light on East Mill Road at the intersection of Schooley’s Mountain Road between certain hours of the day.

According to township officials, the change was made to help with both pedestrian and bus traffic within the township, which has been a growing concern within the community.

Washington Township Police Department Chief Jeffrey Almer previously sent a letter to Mayor Matt Murello discussing changes and suggestions to the township roadways, which would better ensure the safety of all pedestrians in the town center.

Right turns on red will be prohibited from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for East Mill Road turning onto Schooley's, the ordinance states.

Previously, the county had also agreed to assist the town with trail crossing signage and to pay for the installation of flashing crosswalk signs to improve pedestrian safety, according to Almer.

Where possible, the signs would be hardwired or solar-powered.

"I am pushing for more, but initially they are talking about doing 3 or 4 to start, then more in future years. Initially, I am looking to do Schooleys, West Mill, Naughright, and if we get another maybe North Four since that is a popular site for walkers coming from the end of the trail, and all the kids and buses commute through there," Almer said.

The "Right Turn on Red" (RTOR) was implemented in the 1970s as a fuel-saving measure, but according to the Federal Highway Administration, it has sometimes been detrimental to pedestrians.

While the law requires motorists to come to a complete stop and yield to cross-street traffic and pedestrians before turning right at a red light, many motorists fail to do so. Motorists may be so focused on looking for traffic on their left that they fail to notice pedestrians on their right.

According to the US Department of Transportation, motorists frequently pull into the crosswalk to wait for a gap in traffic, obstructing pedestrian crossing movements, and some drivers simply do not come to a complete stop.

"Prohibiting right turns on red is a simple, low-cost measure. Together with a leading pedestrian interval, the signal changes can benefit pedestrians with minimal impacts on traffic," the Federal Highway Administration said.