Roundabout Confusion UK

[jerrin91]

Hello Pistonians,

As a new driver I still get confused with roundabout layout especially those with multi lanes. My issue is that I have come across quite a few large roundabout that has 2/3 lanes within the roundabout that has straight arrow (which generally means ) staying in those lanes will take you to the upcoming exit but this isn't always the case as exits have only two or just one lanes.

So my question is why have three lanes in the roundabout when say for example, upcoming straight ahead exit has one less lanes?

take for example, the pic attached.

the road in the top most side has two lanes with straight arrow signs but then the if you look at the exit in the bottom there is only one lane.

[roadsmash]

You have cropped out the road markings that are painted before the arrows... these state which lane corresponds to each exit/road.

Without these it is difficult, but I anticipate the lanes work something like the below picture.

[Simpo Two]

jerrin91 said:

As a new driver I still get confused with roundabout layout especially those with multi lanes. My issue is that I have come across quite a few large roundabout that has 2/3 lanes within the roundabout that has straight arrow (which generally means ) staying in those lanes will take you to the upcoming exit...

The straight arrow means you take that lane to go straight over. Left and right generally have left and right arrows.

I passed my test in the 80s; the Highway Code then said (albeit of a two lane approach) that the left lane was for left or straight over, and the right lane for right. However that has been clouded greatly since then by individual councils making stuff up as they go. Sometimes you just have to switch on peripheral vision and banzai it.

[Pothole]

Lines unless solid are advisory. Indicate clearly and watch out for other confused people and you'll be fine.

[chunder27]

This all works fine until they get battered by salt and drivers cant read the lines, then accidentgs will happen and blame will be difficult as its unclear who goes where.