— A proposal could soon ban left turns at certain intersections on two busy streets in downtown Raleigh on the weekends.

David Diaz, president and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, said he believes the idea may cut down on noise and allow emergency workers to do their jobs.

The proposal would forbid left turns at some intersections on Fayetteville Street and on Glenwood Avenue from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"If there is a safety issue, how do we help somebody when the streets are blocked," Diaz said at a city council meeting.

If the proposal is passed, police said they would take it easy on drivers for at least a month.

"Initially, getting started we would be issuing warnings for a sufficient time before we up the ante," said Raleigh Deputy Police Chief Joseph Perry.

Stuart McPherson said he frequents the Glenwood South area, and said most of the drivers are wanting to get out of their cars.

"I feel like a parking deck might help a little more than that because people are always looking to find parking on the street," he said.

If the left turn proposal is passed, officials said there would be a pilot plan to see if it helps congestion.

The proposal passed a committee vote Tuesday night and will head to a full council vote.