We refer to Mr Zhang Hua’s and Mr Huang Jingming’s letters on discretionary right turns at traffic junctions (Vehicles should be allowed to turn right, where appropriate, when the light is green for vehicles going straight, 14 Nov 2024; Necessary to allow vehicles to turn right only when green light is on, 18 Nov 2024).

Safety is a key consideration in our road infrastructure planning and design. Since 2018, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been progressively replacing discretionary right turns with Red-Amber-Green (RAG) arrows at signalised junctions to provide clearer guidance to motorists. With RAG arrows, vehicles can only make a right turn when the green arrow lights up, reducing the risk of accidents caused by misjudgement or human error.

Currently there are more than 1,200 junctions with RAG arrows, and we are planning to install RAG arrows at more junctions, subject to site studies. We have observed a 40% reduction in traffic accidents involving right turns at junctions with RAG arrows. We have also received feedback that road users feel safer at these junctions. 

To complement the RAG arrows, LTA has introduced measures to mitigate potential traffic delays. For instance, the traffic light phasing at some junctions are programmed to give motorists an additional opportunity to turn, reducing waiting times. LTA will continue to monitor traffic and adjust traffic light timings where necessary. 

Based on our monitoring, there is no major traffic impact at the junction of Delta Road and Alexandra Road after the RAG arrows were implemented.

Road safety is a shared responsibility. While traffic efficiency is desirable, ensuring the safety of pedestrians when crossing the roads is of paramount importance. We urge all road users to exercise patience and consideration towards one another to keep our roads safe for all.

Alvin Chia 
Senior Group Director, Traffic & Road Operations 
Land Transport Authority