Should U-turns be permitted at signalised intersections?

Abstract

In South Australia, U-turns are not permitted at signalised intersections. The present report is a brief review of this topic. We have located no research that indicates that a “U-turn permitted” treatment would be irresponsible. However, our opinion is that a change to South Australian practice would have a degree of danger, because drivers here are accustomed to U-turns being prohibited at traffic signals, and sufficiently strong arguments in favour of permitting U-turns are not known to us. Note that the literature review component of this project was completed in 2005.