What is going on with Roundabouts in the UK?
Discussion
Hi all,
I've noticed that over the last few years, most roundabouts now have arrows pointed on the floor to guide you in the correct lane, depending on where you are turning. There are also signs which show which lane is for left/right/straight on.
However, the floor markers are frequently at odds with the signs. To give an example of a few near me, the floor arrow point straight on for if you are turning LEFT. On another they point straight on if you are going RIGHT, and on another they show straight on if your going STRAIGHT ON. The signs are always accurate, but the floor arrows seem to be all kinds of wrong. Can't the painters do curves any more?
There are several major roundabouts where the signs advise you can turn RIGHT in both the left and the right-hand lanes, presumably to assist traffic flow. However, they do this for ALL entrances to roundabout. The problem is that they also have traffic lights. This means that at rush hour, I frequently grimace as I watch cars in the left lane going right, and cars in the right lane turning left - at the same time.
It's no wonder they confuse the hell out of people. Anyone got a clue why they do this madness?? Or is it simply to make rush hour that little bit more interesting?
I've noticed that over the last few years, most roundabouts now have arrows pointed on the floor to guide you in the correct lane, depending on where you are turning. There are also signs which show which lane is for left/right/straight on.
However, the floor markers are frequently at odds with the signs. To give an example of a few near me, the floor arrow point straight on for if you are turning LEFT. On another they point straight on if you are going RIGHT, and on another they show straight on if your going STRAIGHT ON. The signs are always accurate, but the floor arrows seem to be all kinds of wrong. Can't the painters do curves any more?
There are several major roundabouts where the signs advise you can turn RIGHT in both the left and the right-hand lanes, presumably to assist traffic flow. However, they do this for ALL entrances to roundabout. The problem is that they also have traffic lights. This means that at rush hour, I frequently grimace as I watch cars in the left lane going right, and cars in the right lane turning left - at the same time.
It's no wonder they confuse the hell out of people. Anyone got a clue why they do this madness?? Or is it simply to make rush hour that little bit more interesting?
Edited by Paul O on Saturday 3rd March 22:54
The A66 Middlesbrough to redcar is being 'improved' (as VERY large signs say)by removing roundabouts and going back to traffic lights and crossroads WTF and must be costing 100s of £1000s.
I agree - why have traffic lights on large roundabouts still working through the night - another waste of electricity (and time when stopped at a red light and no-one else on the road)
A66 Darlington bypass - road to a roundabouted Tee junction. Road markings show left turn and straight on. Actual road left and right turns only.
I agree - why have traffic lights on large roundabouts still working through the night - another waste of electricity (and time when stopped at a red light and no-one else on the road)
A66 Darlington bypass - road to a roundabouted Tee junction. Road markings show left turn and straight on. Actual road left and right turns only.
Paul O said:
However, the floor markers are frequently at odds with the signs. To give an example of a few near me, the floor arrow point straight on for if you are turning LEFT. On another they point straight on if you are going RIGHT, and on another they show straight on if your going STRAIGHT ON. The signs are always accurate, but the floor arrows seem to be all kinds of wrong. Can't the painters do curves any more?
Use of "Turn Left" or "Turn Right" arrows is discouraged on the approach to roundabouts. What you describe as a "Sraight on" arrow means "Continue in this lane for XYZ" and is the "correct" lane marking for normal roundabouts
A "Left" arrow normally means "This lane terminates and you will turn off this road" and should only be used on segregated left turn lanes at roundabouts
However, I'm sure there's plenty of inconsistency in the application of markings...
Source: TSRGD

you havent seen this thread
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Half way down page 34 of 36 I tried to summarise the difference between the roadsign telling you what was off each exit and the road layout telling you which lane to be in and a straight on arrow without minor arrows off it means stay in lane.
I can safely say its a minority viewpoint
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Half way down page 34 of 36 I tried to summarise the difference between the roadsign telling you what was off each exit and the road layout telling you which lane to be in and a straight on arrow without minor arrows off it means stay in lane.
I can safely say its a minority viewpoint

Cant wait to try this one. 
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/30555.as...
Its only got 70 sets of traffic lights!

http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/30555.as...
Its only got 70 sets of traffic lights!

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