Fully-Protected Left Turns
See which intersections in Surrey have Fully-Protected Left Turn Signals, and how they help prevent collisions.
In Surrey, 80% of crashes where someone is killed or seriously injured happen at intersections. That’s why we’re investing in “Fully-Protected” left turn signals. These phases provide a separate set of signal indications for left-turning drivers. This separates the movement of pedestrians and oncoming traffic from the movement of left-turning vehicles.
We are installing fully protected left turn signals at select high crash intersections around the city as part of our Vision Zero Surrey Safe Mobility Plan.
Left turns tend to be the highest-risk maneuver at intersections. Drivers making left turns face potential conflicts with various road users including other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Vision Zero Surrey prioritizes safety improvements at locations where collision data shows they are needed most. Fully-Protected Left Turn signals are one such safety improvement.
Fully protected vs. protected permissive left turn signals
Not to be confused with “Protected-Permissive” Left Turn signals, “Fully-Protected” left turn signals decrease conflicts between vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians and almost completely eliminate left turning crashes. They help make left turns safer at intersections where there are high volumes of left turns and where the road conditions make left turns more challenging.
Fully-Protected Left Turns help keep all road users safe. They ensure vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists are separated in time within the intersection, reducing the possibility of crashes, serious injuries and fatalities.
Protected-permissive left turn signal
A flashing green arrow (protected portion) that is followed by a green light (permissive portion).
- Protected: During the flashing green arrow, turning drivers have the right of way. Conflicting drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are stopped.
- Permissive: During the green light, left turning drivers need to wait for a gap in traffic to turn safely. They need to yield to oncoming drivers and cyclists, as well as pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk.
Fully-protected left turn signal
A steady green arrow (protected portion) that is followed by a red light (no permissive portion).
- Protected: During the steady green arrow, turning vehicles have the right of way. Conflicting drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are stopped.
- Once the steady green arrow ends, left turns are not permitted. Drivers must stop and wait until the steady green arrow re-activates (no permissive portion).
Learn More
Reducing crashes, fatalities and injuries on our roads is the key priority for our City and our Vision Zero partners, as outlined in our Vision Zero Surrey Safe Mobility Plan. There are many ways, in addition to Fully Protected Left Turn Signals, that the we work to increase safety and help keep road users safe. Find out how by checking out our Safe Roads, Safe Speeds and Safe Road Users pages.