Roundabout advice

Author
Discussion

SydneyBridge

Original Poster:

8,500 posts

157 months

Sunday 13th June 2021
quotequote all
nearly twice crashed on this roundabout and I am convinced I am in the right...

Map and overhead photo below. Shannons corner, under the A3

I come from the B282, on the left, onto the roundabout. The exit has two lanes, but only right at the end.

I want to go left, onto the B282, which has two lanes, although not a duel carriageway, and i want to be in the right lane.

I exit the B282 in the inside lane, indicate left and then move across to move into the outside lane as I exit. Twice someone has exited, in the outside lane, next to me and then gone into the outside lane of the B282, thus when i move over they are in my way.

In my opinion, the roundabout has 3 exits, the inside lane when I exit the B282 should be for vehicles going left only (irrespective of what lane), the outside lane for other exits.

Any opinions on whether I am right, wrong or is there no correct answer?




Pica-Pica

13,621 posts

83 months

Sunday 13th June 2021
quotequote all
Let’s cut to the chase - the only correct action is to avoid a collision.
Whether right or wrong, you never gain in cash, time or irritation.

SydneyBridge said:
thus when I move over they are in my way
OP, re-read what you wrote, and re-think it.

Edited by Pica-Pica on Sunday 13th June 14:47

vonhosen

40,198 posts

216 months

Sunday 13th June 2021
quotequote all
Without the correct mandatory markings there is no MUST in relation to what lane you have to be in.
Any other markings & the highway code will give advice in relation to what lane might be considered appropriate.
There's unlikely to be a simple right or wrong without mandatory markings, only degrees of culpability argued by insurers following a collision.
Best to concentrate on just avoiding collisions/conflict than worry abut any perceived right or wrongs of the situation.

Pica-Pica

13,621 posts

83 months

Sunday 13th June 2021
quotequote all
There are many instances (and posts on here), where drivers come into conflict when there are two lanes at an exit. Both drivers may think they are doing the correct thing. The best bit of the Highway Code is the introduction:-

“It is important that all road users are aware of The Highway Code and are considerate towards each other”

This is also where the driving test pass is just the beginning of continuous learning. It is always good to be aware of what is around you, to have a ‘bubble’ of safety, an escape plan and adequate space allowed for errors by others (and yourself!).

If you regularly take this route consider which exit position, left or right, gives you the better view or position for maximum safety.

Edited by Pica-Pica on Monday 14th June 11:52

romeogolf

2,056 posts

118 months

Monday 14th June 2021
quotequote all
Having looked on streetview, and assuming my understanding of the situation is correct, my view is that the OP is in the wrong on this one. The right-hand lane on entering the roundabout becomes the right-hand lane on the B282.

In the Streetview shot below, when the silver BMW pulls out, it will join the inside lane of the roundabout behind the white van already pictured.



As in this second photo, that van can exit onto the B282 in the right-hand lane as depicted by the road markings. So I see no reason why the right-hand lane entering the roundabout can't be used to exit into the right-hand lane of the B282.


sxmwht

1,548 posts

58 months

Monday 14th June 2021
quotequote all
I can't make head nor tail of the description rofl

SydneyBridge

Original Poster:

8,500 posts

157 months

Monday 14th June 2021
quotequote all
Fair enough, thank you very much and to everyone else.
Next time I use it, I will keep left until safe to move into right hand lane

mac96

3,715 posts

142 months

Monday 14th June 2021
quotequote all
I am familiar with that junction and often approach as OP describes and then move to the right hand lane after exiting, as he does.

Three points: It is arguably wrong to enter from the right hand lane and then exit first left, as the OP is complaining about, BUT:

OP should not be taken by surprise- the vehicle passing him as he moves right after the exit could have come from a different entry- you have to look before moving right.

And finally at that particular junction there is a good reason (although I would not do it) for turning left from the right hand entry lane- it is too avoid cars suddenly slowing down to turn left off the slip road into B & Q and Halfords. So if you are a regular, you should expect odd behaviours!

DanL

6,177 posts

264 months

Monday 14th June 2021
quotequote all
SydneyBridge said:
Fair enough, thank you very much and to everyone else.
Next time I use it, I will keep left until safe to move into right hand lane
… is the correct answer. smile

Veryoldbear

210 posts

103 months

Wednesday 16th June 2021
quotequote all
This sort of junction is an absolute swine. Rules don't apply, and the road markings may be worn out. Just be careful (don't slow down) but assume that everybody else is barking mad. Keep eyes in back of the head.

johnao

667 posts

242 months

Thursday 17th June 2021
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Veryoldbear said:
This sort of junction is an absolute swine. Rules don't apply, and the road markings may be worn out. Just be careful (don't slow down) but assume that everybody else is barking mad. Keep eyes in back of the head.
Exactly right. I like the thought that "rules" don't apply.

There's a complex, multi-lane, roundabout above a motorway junction near me. I always approach it with the following mindset...

Whichever lane I end up in, it's going to be the wrong lane!

Everyone else is also going to be in the wrong lane!

Consequently everyone, and that includes me, will be trying to change lane in the most unexpected of places!

Such an approach, plus enhanced observation, should ensure that you come out the other side unscathed.

smile

Peter3442

418 posts

67 months

Friday 18th June 2021
quotequote all
There are some good roundabouts, but in too many cases:

- Badly designed
- Dangerously misleading signs
- Highway code is ignored. It's only advice - reality can be chaos mixed with lunacy