The Highway Code simplye explains why some Brits are driving through roundabouts completely the wrong way. We’ve all seen cars in the wrong lane on roundabouts, or been honked at for supposedly getting it wrong ourselves. But who’s really right? The Highway Code has clear answers.
The Highway Code – the bible for British drivers, says that if you’re taking the first exit to the left, you shuold signal left and approach in the left-hand lane, unless signs say otherwise. Keep to the left of the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave. If you’re taking an exit to the right or going full circle, signal right and approach in the right-hand lane, unless signs say otherwise. Stay to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit, and signal left after passing the exit before the one you want.
But what if you’re driving straight through, taking an intermediate exit, or if the exit is at 12 o’clock when you approach it? This is where road rage often happens, especially from people who think you should be in the right hand lane. If that’s you, then you are wrong and should think next time to you beep your horn at an unwitting driver.
When going straight on at a roundabout, unless signs or markings say otherwise, you should pick the right lane as you approach. You don’t usually need to signal as you approach, but stay in your lane until you need to change direction to leave the roundabout. After passing the exit before the one you want, signal left. If there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most suitable lane. In other words, use common sense.
For mini roundabouts, treat them like normal ones. All vehicles must go around the central markings, except large ones that physically can’t. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts, Wales Online reports.
The Highway Code also says: “When reaching the roundabout you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights. Check if road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, go ahead, but still look to the right before joining. Watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all. Look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.
“You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic. Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.”
It adds: “Cyclists, horse riders and horse drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout. Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane, who are continuing around the roundabout.
“In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads, traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit, traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly, motorcyclists, long vehicles (including those towing trailers). These might have to take a different course or straddle lanes either approaching or on the roundabout because of their length. Watch out for their signals.” Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
