Quick question about roundabouts

HypnoToad

HypnoToad

HypnoToad

Associate
Joined
12 Mar 2010
Posts
302
Location
Location Location
On my way to work there is a roundabout with 4 exits, and 2 lanes.

Am I right in thinking that you go in the outside lane for the 1st and 2nd exits, and you use the inside lane for the 3rd and 4th exits?

I only ask as i saw 2 minis almost crash in front of me yesterday, and I'm pretty sure the car on the inside lane would be at fault if they crashed.

I've tried googling and it seems that my above assumption is true but I nought I'd ask here just to check I don't end up in a similar situation to those 2 minis. :)
 
I was always taught that the left lane was for going off at any exit up to and including 180 degrees clockwise (left and straight ahead), and the right lane was for any exit further than 180 degrees (right). Unless the entry and exit straight across are 2 lanes in which case both lanes can be for straight ahead.

Of course its not always exactly 180 degrees, its just whatever is considered to be 'straight over', if there is one.
 
I think there is confusion going to happen here if you don't state whether you are on the roundabout or the slip road when stating inside or outside lanes!!
 
Ive just always done Left hand lane for turning left or straight over, and Right for right and U turn.

if their is 5 exits or more I guess I split em down the middle lol.

No technical knowledge just the way I approach most of them. Normally check road markings when possible though.
 
dg_070540.jpg
 
Check the road signs as roundabouts can be different depending where they are in the UK. They usually tell you if its stright ahead or turning left/right.
Stoke roundabouts are for the most part, typical of what the highway code says to do. While a lot of the roundabouts in south yorkshire wakefield/barnsley area seem to have different lane layouts then I'm used to here in staffordshire/stoke and else where.

Typically, if its 1st or 2nd exit you should be in the left lane and right for everything else. You move over a lane 2 exits before you want to exit, abiding by lane markers and start indicating just after the exit before you actually want to exit. Then Exit.

If the roundabout is setup for dual lanes coming off on an exit for example, it usually has painted road markings, otherwise you'll not have markings on the road and just follow typical rules. Most importantly though, check blind spots and be aware of whats around you, including your LEFT side.
 
In fact I had a bint in a focus this morning not have a flipping clue where she was going..

Uploading to my Youtube account as I type.

Can't link to it due to my potty mouth again! :o

There seems to also be a correlation to Adele playing on the radio and people doing dumb things..!! :D
 
Last edited:
I've had people around me use the outside lane to exit onto the outside lane of the first exit. Which is totally wrong and dangerous.

1316567230.jpg


BLUE = Correct
RED = Wrong
 
dg_070540.jpg


In recent times ive noticed a lot more people who are going straight on (ala blue car) at a roundabout indicate right (to show they are following the curve) then indicate left on the exit

what the hells all that about?!
 
I was taught the same way as the highway code pictures above, anything else is just wrong imo. The only exception is at roundabouts where the road markings say different, for example there is a 3 exit roundabout near me, the left lane is for left 1st exit ONLY, to use the second exit (straight ahead) or go round and back on yourself you use the right hand lane. I think this is because each exit only has one lane apart from the one I mention above.

I am always being 'cut up' when using roundabouts by other road users that have no clue about driving a vehicle or lane discipline. I have my own opinions on the types of driver that do this but Im not willing to share and cause a flame war!
 
frozennova said:
Without sounding a little stupid shouldn't you already know this as you have a driving license. its the sort of thing your taught
Click to expand...
You'd think wouldn't you. However I live in Milton Keynes and you can always tell who's not local from the fact that they have absolutely no clue what to do at a roundabout.

The worst is the idiots in the left lane who go right without indicating.

Then there's the trolls who don't indicate to turn right, so you think you can go, then they come right around the roundabout and indicate left at their exit :mad:
 
LeeUK said:
I've had people around me use the outside lane to exit onto the outside lane of the first exit. Which is totally wrong and dangerous.

1316567230.jpg


BLUE = Correct
RED = Wrong
Click to expand...

There's a major (M6 J3) roundabout near my house which actually signposts that the 2 left lanes can be used for taking the first (90 degree) exit.
 
Every time I see a roundabout thread I think of my hometown.

4FRSR.jpg


fTE6W.jpg


gMx6T.gif
1mDkn.gif


If you think people have trouble on normal roundabouts, come to Swindon and give this one a try. You'll rage harder than you ever have before :p
 
A lot depends on road markings, but sometimes it is ok to go 6pm to 12am in both lanes if there are 2 lanes on the exit.

Swindon/Hemel magic roundabouts are easy, just treat them as 5 minies not one large.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom