Atlanta lawmakers have approved a new city ordinance banning right turns at red stoplights in certain neighborhoods.
The Atlanta City Council met Monday and passed the new traffic ordinance in a vote of 10-3, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
“We did it! Thank you to my colleagues for adopting my legislation prohibiting turns at red lights in central Atlanta!” Councilman Jason Dozier said. “Pedestrian safety and quality of life go hand in hand, and I’m deeply proud of our work to make our streets safer for our most vulnerable people.”
The ordinance will ban right turns at red lights in Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta and the Castleberry Hill community. It will take effect at the beginning of 2026 to allow time for the city’s Department of Transportation to put up signage at the affected intersections.
ATLANTA OFFICIALS CONSIDERING BANNING RIGHT TURNS ON RED
Supporters on the city council said the neighborhoods where right on red is now banned are home to cultural attractions, businesses and homes that bring in heavy pedestrian traffic.
Officials argue the measure will make these neighborhoods safer for pedestrians and foster “a sense of community, encourage social interaction, and support local businesses, therefore contributing to the overall quality of life.”
Dozier, who co-sponsored the legislation, previously told Fox News Digital that he proposed the ordinance because Atlanta has seen a significant rise in pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to car collisions.
“We’ve seen a 50% increase in pedestrian deaths since 2020, and 38 pedestrians died on Atlanta’s streets last year as…
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