Roundabout fences reducing visibility

I have noticed this recently too - I was on that very M5/M50 roundabout this afternoon!


I see the logic, but think its a daft idea.

Thankfully, I have a height advantage in an HGV and can (just) see whats coming.

I'll end up with a Smart under me one day though - those things need warning flags ! :D
 
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Christ that is shocking. Still, you're all still that they don't plant traffic lights instead like they do on any major ( and I use that term very loosely, anything with more than 2 lanes) roundabout around here. But those roundabouts looks fine as they were without the fences !
 
One that I had in mind was when coming south from Chesterfield on the A617 to J29 of the M1- it's a grey metal barrier with no way of seeing through it. Well stupid. That fence with the foliage planted in made me laugh, what a ridiculous creation!
 
Only just noticed this topic.

The official answer from the Design Manual For Roads And Bridges (DMRB) - Geometric Design of Roundabouts:

8.8 Excessive visibility to the right can result in high entry speeds, potentially leading to accidents. On dual carriageway approaches where the speed limit is greater than 40mph, limiting visibility to the right by screening until the vehicle is within 15 metres of the give way line can be helpful in reducing excessive approach speeds.

The screening should be at least 2m high, in order to block the view of all road users. Screening can also be used on flared approaches on high speed single-carriageway roads where there is a long splitter island.
Click to expand...

From my experience its a last resort.
Newer roundabouts should have this problem designed out (increased entry path radius) although older, existing ones with a history of accidents due to excessive speed have them because it's cheaper than reworking the approach where - minus the issue of speed, the roundabout works fine.
 
I note "in order to block the view of all road users".

Ironically every fence I've seen has been no more than about 2m high, meaning that only the drivers of vehicles with the greatest momentum, who are least likely to be able to stop if they are travelling too fast, are unrestricted. Genius...

Clearly following the letter, rather than the spirit, of the guidelines.
 
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