Interesting mini roundabouts

[donkmeister]

I was driving through Steppingley (a village in Bedfordshire) the other day and saw that their mini roundabouts have been built on speed tables. For example:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UzLGqPF8HS5QRk757

Doesn't look like much in Street view, but the ramp seemed to be slowing down the traffic to a suitable speed for the mini roundabouts, without being obnoxiously steep for sports cars.

If this approach became widespread, it might cut down on the number of DC videos we see of people hammering towards a mini roundabout then going the wrong way round so they can scream "give way to the right!", blast their horn and submit it to RIP Grandad.

What do you think? Any unintended consequences looming or is this an example of road engineers coming up with a pretty good solution?

[SamR380]

I support this solution.

[mac96]

Looks like a good idea. I like the arrows on the road too.

[Simpo Two]

Subject to traffic density a normal junction might suffice, with traffic from the right which looks like a housing estate giving way, allowing the rest straight through unimpeded.

[The Gauge]

With sufficient gradient, it might be possible to leap the roundabout completely..

[Dazdot]

donkmeister said:

If this approach became widespread, it might cut down on the number of DC videos we see of people hammering towards a mini roundabout then going the wrong way round so they can scream "give way to the right!", blast their horn and submit it to RIP Grandad.

For this reason alone I support it.

[Hol]

Dazdot said:

donkmeister said:

If this approach became widespread, it might cut down on the number of DC videos we see of people hammering towards a mini roundabout then going the wrong way round so they can scream "give way to the right!", blast their horn and submit it to RIP Grandad.

For this reason alone I support it.

+1 more.

[Pica-Pica]

It’s next to a new housing estate so the options/mandate will be there to make it suitably effective.

[CloudStuff]

Pica-Pica said:

It’s next to a new housing estate so the options/mandate will be there to make it suitably effective.

Of greater concern will be the ease with which a sheet emblazoned with "Happy 30th Birthday Nan" can be affixed.

[FMOB]

It look fine while the markings to indicate the ramp are still there, they will soon be gone due to lack of maintenance and then everyone will be playing the Dukes of Hazard whether they expect to or not.

[sospan]

In my area too many seem to ignore the fact it is a roundabout. I’ve had near misses when turning right and traffic approaching doesn’t slow at all as if a through road. I am wary and watch the vehicles closely. The near misses seemed to be drivers oblivious of the roundabout despite good signage.Adding speed bumps would help and better than the large number we already have in dubious places. Many of them were already acting like the 20 zones we have had imposed as they slowed traffic.

[Riley Blue]

mac96 said:

Looks like a good idea. I like the arrows on the road too.

Don't all mini roundabouts have those?

[808 Estate]

This one is nearby and forces you to slow down.
https://www.google.com/maps/@50.924516,-1.474882,3...

[Simpo Two]

sospan said:

In my area too many seem to ignore the fact it is a roundabout.

Could that be because a mini-roundabout isn't really necessary? Sometimes I think Councils/Highways buy them in economy packs of 20 and just scatter them about.

[mac96]

Riley Blue said:

Don't all mini roundabouts have those?

Well, the one near me certainly doesn't, and I would say 50% of cars go the wrong side of the white circle!

[FMOB]

Simpo Two said:

sospan said:

In my area too many seem to ignore the fact it is a roundabout.

Could that be because a mini-roundabout isn't really necessary? Sometimes I think Councils/Highways buy them in economy packs of 20 and just scatter them about.

The mini-roundabout here isn't necessary but considering the main road entering/exiting is pretty straight it is a really a speed bump masquerading as a roundabout.

[QBee]

I must go and read the Highway Code again.

I have always taken the view that they were there to tell everyone who has right of way, and not that you must actually keep them to your tight hand side..

[Chrisgr31]

QBee said:

I must go and read the Highway Code again.

I have always taken the view that they were there to tell everyone who has right of way, and not that you must actually keep them to your tight hand side..

Yes rule 188

[GasEngineer]

Well that's news to me !

My driving instructor (in 1980) taught me it was safer to go straight over mini roundabouts rather than following the tight curve.

I've always done that since - thinking that was the right thing to do.

ETA: ... and I have used them for U turns !

Edited by GasEngineer on Friday 3rd November 15:28

[QBee]

That's what I like about PH - no need for me to go and look it up, some kind, helpful, public sprited contributor has provided the answers and proved I was wrong, which is fine by me.

I will behave myself now when just car driving, and keep the white blob on my right.
And when towing my 7 metre caravan and physicaly can't make it round a tight mini roundabout, I will know I am legal to take a shorter route, if done carefully.

Every day's a school day.