Montreal unlikely to legalize right turns on red anytime soon

Are we ready for Montreal drivers to turn right at red lights?

For a decade now — ever since Quebec changed the law to allow right turns on red everywhere except on the island of Montreal — the island has been the only place in Canada where the manoeuver is illegal.

The chairman of Montreal's transport committee, Anjou borough mayor Luis Miranda, is in favour of changing the law.

It's an issue that could come up at public hearings underway between now and May 21, aimed at increasing pedestrian safety.

But the question so divides pedestrians and drivers that many politicians are unwilling to weigh in.

"That's a very good question," said Jean-François Lisée, the minister responsible for the Montreal region. "I won't answer today!  Thank you."

Montreal Mayor Michael Applebaum doesn't want to see right turns on red made legal.  

"I understand that it takes a little longer to get where you want to be, having to wait at a red light," Applebaum said. "At the same time, we're talking about security for our citizens and for that reason, I think it should stay as is."

So it seems unlikely Montreal will fall in step with the rest of Canada any time soon.