Council advances traffic ordinance changes restricting some right-on-red movements after public-safety review

The Salem City Council took first passage (as amended) on a traffic ordinance containing multiple changes to right-on-red permissions at intersections across the city. The amendments reflected recommendations from the Salem Police Department and Salem Fire Department after a multiyear review initiated by the council’s transportation discussions.

Councilors and public-safety officials reviewed intersection-by-intersection recommendations. In several high-pedestrian locations on Derby Street and at Riley Plaza, councilors and pedestrians urged that no-right-on-red restrictions remain to protect crosswalk users. Public safety supported some prohibitions but requested reconsideration at other locations where prohibiting right turns on red could create vehicle queuing that would impede fire apparatus or ambulances.

Chiefs from police and fire described particular choke points where allowing a right on red currently provides a "relief valve" that prevents backups that can block emergency vehicle movement (for example, Washington Street approaches near Riley Plaza and the Mill Hill/Derby corridors). Both chiefs encouraged quick implementation of dynamic illuminated "no turn on red" signage at priority intersections once funding and engineering are secured.

Councilors debated whether to adopt static no-right-on-red signs or to prioritize dynamic, pedestrian-activated signs; several wards requested that the Transportation Department and city electrician be involved in technical analysis and cost estimates. The council approved first passage of the ordinance package as amended and directed staff to pursue dynamic signal options for priority intersections.

What happens next: the ordinance will be refined in committee as necessary, with staff and public-safety departments asked to supply engineering assessments and cost estimates for dynamic signage and intersection rewiring before second passage.