I have brought this matter to the attention of City Hall sometime in the latter half of April. I expect immediate action, lest an untoward incident happens.
I am referring to the lack of clear-cut, specific—in other words, ambiguous—traffic signs at the intersection of Araneta Avenue corner N.S. Amoranto Sr. Avenue.
The road going to Talayan Village is a two-way traffic, with two lanes assigned for each direction. Some motorists on the rightmost lane (when facing Talayan Village) probably get the impression that they can turn right immediately whether or not the traffic light is red or green. But with the existing traffic signs in the area, it would seem that vehicles on that lane should not be turning right on a red signal.
Also, given that there are only two lanes for vehicles going in the direction of Talayan Village, motorists should not be expected to turn right.
If the rightmost lane has to be used only for vehicles turning right, there will on the inner lane build up a long line of cars wanting to cross the road or turn left. This setup is not advisable for a road with heavy-enough traffic, such as the Araneta-Amoranto intersection.
The local government should put up a “No right turn on red signal” or “Right lane must turn right” sign to provide motorists with clear directions.
As it is at present, it is not farfetched for some “misunderstanding” among motorists on the rightmost lane—specifically those who would turn right and those who don’t intend to turn right—to burst into a road rage. Nobody wants this to happen. And one way to avoid this is by putting up precise signs at strategic points in that intersection.
—KATHERINE TANYU,
kmtanyu@gmail.com