[Closed] Roundabouts

How can there be 2 lanes if none of the lanes are marked?
(Left lane, if there are lanes)

In a motor vehicle, the right-hand lane. On a push-bike, the left hand lane.

Which exit is it? 'Straight on' means nothing if there's 2-3 exits before it.

Either one

johnellison - Member

In a motor vehicle, the right-hand lane. On a push-bike, the left hand lane.

Why the right hand lane John?

Huh? What difference does it make if you're in a car or on a bike??

[img] [/img]

who else is there?
nobody left lane, others going left(indicating) right lane, others going right left lane maybe bit of both...

no single answer

If you want to go "straight" either the near or offside lane will do.

Huh? What difference does it make if you're in a car or on a bike??

I believe that as far as the Highway Code is concerned it does, although I would ignore that rule in many cases.

If the roundabout is big enough and there's something I need to overtake and they move into the left lane, I'll use the right.

Lifer - Member

Which exit is it? 'Straight on' means nothing if there's 2-3 exits before it.

Lets say its the 2nd exit of 4, but you are continuing on the same road, going straight over the roundabout.

Do you mean no arrows when you say 'no lanes marked' or no white lines?

If 'straight on' is the first or 2nd exit then left hand lane. But it depends in the situation - if the left hand lane was busy with traffic indicating to go left at the first exit then I'd go in the right hand lane.

I would be taking the left hand lane.

162. Signals and position, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

When taking the first exit

signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

When taking any intermediate exit

do not signal on the approach to the roundabout
[b]approach in the left-hand lane or centre lane on a three-lane road[/b] (on a two-lane road you may approach in the right-hand lane if the left-hand lane is blocked)
stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

When taking the last exit or going full circle

signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout
signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.

Too many variables. For a simple 4 exit (NSEW) roundabout either is fine in a car. If there is traffic then which ever is emptier. On the bike I'd go for the left hand lane but be in the middle of it.

What do the orange stars mean in trailrats pic? I've never seen orange stars on a roundabout

With two lanes going into one and no road markings, it's a case of either or, but you would have to be very careful to not cause an accident when leaving the roundabout. A configuration like that should have the lanes clearly marked to tell drivers where to position themselves.

ernie_lynch - Member

If you want to go "straight" either the near or offside lane will do.

If this is the case, what happens when 2 cars go round the roundabout together in the nearside and offside lane, and both want to go straight on onto the single lane exit?

What do the orange stars mean in trailrats pic? I've never seen orange stars on a roundabout

means when you should indicate from.

if there is only one lane on exit and no merge you want to be in the left hand - if its double lane exit or merge on exit then either are fair game.

No hard and fast rule for me. Depends on traffic flow approaching the roundabout (both leevl of traffic and driving style), on the roundabout and on the other side of the roundabout, if I am making progress or just driving along, if the exit lane goes straight to one lane or if there is a gradual reduction, and other aspects as well. The highway code says; "select the appropriate lane on approach to and on the roundabout" so all the above factors and more would impact on the correct lane.

Somouk, the DoT website I looked at doesn't contain that advice in the highway code;

https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/roundabouts-184-to-190

If this is the case, what happens when 2 cars go round the roundabout together in the nearside and offside lane, and both want to go straight on onto the single lane exit?

DezB - Member

What do the orange stars mean in trailrats pic? I've never seen orange stars on a roundabout

many hundreds of years ago, cars were fitted with 'indicate which way you are going' lights.

the last observed instance of anyone using an 'indicator' light was in 1893. their inclusion in the highway code is simply anachronistic.

If this is the case, what happens when 2 cars go round the roundabout together in the nearside and offside lane, and both want to go straight on onto the single lane exit?

Commonsense takes over, as usually happens when traffic merges.

your wrong ernie - as soon as the driving populus gets behind the wheel - they store the common sense aspect in the boot.

DezB - Member
What do the orange stars mean in trailrats pic? I've never seen orange stars on a roundabout

Just in case your not being funny, that's where you should be indicating - ie not before you've passed the last exit before the one you're taking. You could be indicating to others that you're taking the previous exit.

OP: left lane for exits up to 12 o'clock. Unless there are markings for left trun only from the left lane.

johnellison - Member

In a motor vehicle, the right-hand lane. On a push-bike, the left hand lane.

Why the right hand lane John?

Because that's what I was taught.

The Highway Code is actually quite vague about it - rule 186 says -

"When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise -

- select the appropriate lane on approach to and on the roundabout
- you should not normally need to signal on approach
- stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
- signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want."

In a car I'd normally take the left, though if there was a queue of slower traffic to overtake, I'd consider sneaking past on the right. On a bike, usually primary position well across in the left lane, to reduce the likelihood of a left hook on the first exit.

that photograph was lifted from the highway code appendix john - they have updated their stance on it.

Indicators hmm? Like these things?

[img] [/img]

New one on me.

I'd take the left, because if you take the right you can guarantee someone else [i]will[/i] take the left to go straight on and you'll end up collecting them when you exit the roundabout.

nope - thats a trafficator dez

Gary_M - Member

Do you mean no arrows when you say 'no lanes marked' or no white lines?

No arrows, no white lines on the roundabout, but 2 lined lanes on the road leading up to he roundabout, ie dual carriageway into single carriageway.

Surely middle of the two lanes so no one can get in your way, then racing line hitting the apex of the roundabout.

Either lane is fine. Generally I'll use the left lane if I'm taking an early exit or the right lane if a) I can scoot past a lorry or bus and go straight on b) if I'm going to take a later exit on the island.

that photograph was lifted from the highway code appendix john - they have updated their stance on it.

OK, I stand corrected said the man in the orthopaedic shoes (© Alan Partridge), but I've been using that approach for the last 25 years and not had any issues...

They indicate when to indicate

In the pic above, if there really was that much traffic about, I'd approach in the left, exit in the left, but 'straightline' the roundabout. As instructed to by the RAC approved ADI that took me out for a driving safety assessment as part of my company's driver awareness push.

She failed to mention if I got extra points for getting the inside wheels over the edge of the island.

In the pic above, if there really was that much traffic about, I'd approach in the left, exit in the left, but 'straightline' the roundabout. As instructed to by the RAC approved ADI that took me out for a driving safety assessment as part of my company's driver awareness push.

Straight lining is fine so long as you don't affect the flow of any other traffic on the roundabout. You'd be silly to do it on a busy round about as someone could potentially steal your lane and block your exit.

was meant to be tongue in cheek - she did recommend it but only when roads are completely clear (also said cutting corners on country roads is fine as long as you can see it's clear) - but if in any doubt at all, don't. And also not when the police are watching - while it is to an extent lifted from their own manual, but they don't like you being smartarse about it.

nickjb - Member

If this is the case, what happens when 2 cars go round the roundabout together in the nearside and offside lane, and both want to go straight on onto the single lane exit?

Car in the inside has to move to the outside to exit the roundabout and can only do that when that lane is clear.

Yes, that's what I would like to think would happen. The reality seems somewhat different, the car on the inside usually tries to turn across the outside lane anyway at the last minute to take the exit, irrespective of somebody outside them, often resulting in two cars side by side in the single lane exit.

If molgrips is in the left lane then I'd definitely take the right. Any other time it'd be the one which has the least traffic in it.

hehe wrighty - i expected after i read the first part for you to pull a u turn and go the other way 😉

If molgrips is in the left lane then I'd definitely take the right.

Queue jumper.

Correct approach at rush hour round here seems to be to always take the left lane regardless of your exit.
Any other lane results in you being trapped inside the roundabout and having to force your way out, much to the annoyance of the drivers who have patiently queued in the left lane for 3/4s of the roundabout.

Is it... approach in the right lane, moving through to the left in order to point the car through the apex with a quick flick of the wheel. Strait line the roundabout moving rapidly from the left lane to the right and back again. Id probably shift from 4th to 3rd just before flicking the wheel.

On a more serious note id take either but if traffic was heavy the left lane, other wise you are going to cut some one up or do an extra lap of the roundabout.

I've done several tests (three within the last four years, and no, not bannings!) and in all, including my car test twelve years ago, it was very clear. If your exit is 12 O Clock or before, it's the left of two lanes. If it's past 12 O Clock, it's the right of the two. Unless signs/markings indicate otherwise.

Surprised so many think or were taught to use the right lane to go straight over, seeing it everyday I thought it was learnt habits/impatience!

What do the orange stars mean in trailrats pic? I've never seen orange stars on a roundabout

If you flash your lights twice on full beam, twice on dipped beam, indicate left right left right, then brake the accelerate you unlock special features and the roundabout turns into a waltzer.

There's a roundabout I use going home from work: 2 lanes going on, dual carriageway 1st exit @ 90 degrees, 2nd exit straight but never used little country lane, 3rd exit @270degrees and single lane. About half the drivers using the 3rd exit go for the left hand lane on entering the roundabout 😯 ❓

If your exit is 12 O Clock or before, it's the left of two lanes. If it's past 12 O Clock, it's the right of the two. Unless signs/markings indicate otherwise.

This is exactly how I was taught.

Using the right hand lane in the example given in the original post seems a recipe for disaster to me.

Left hand lane to go straight, as then you do not have to change/filter across lanes and cut up the ****ers in the left hand lane.

Left lane - simple

The picture previously posted showed 2 lanes on exit but the OP is asking about a single lane exit.

Take it a basic 4 exit roundabout with exits at 9 12 & 3 o clock, left lane for left first exit (9oclock), the road ahead second exit ( 12oclock ) and right hand lane for third exit, ( 3oclock ) and to go full circle.

IIRC TJ and aracer were adamant it should be the RH lane (I may be wrong) in every situation.

I say LH usually but not always.

I was taught LH for exits 1 & 2 (W + N) and RH lane for exit 3 (E) and indeed for heading back the way you came.

Seems to throw folk around here when you do that though, they sit in RH lane and then head straight over. There is a roundabout in town where the lane markings have changed, from none (IIRC) to LH lane for exit 1, and RH for everything else, due to LH lane being an equal mixture of exit 1 & 2 traffic (both popular).

As and aside, if you take RH lane for straight on, and sail past traffic in LH lane, there is no way of telling what proportion of that traffic is heading for your intended exit..

It really depends weather I am trying to drift or not...

Surely it depends on whats in the other lanes to some extent? Having hard and fast rules just leads to needless congestion and people not deploying some common sense (although this is generally in such short supply on the roads I may be expecting too much)

In my experience when taking the right hand lane to go straight on, people treat you as a queue jumper and make every effort not to let you merge on the exit.

Although it is correct to use either lane, these days I tend to stay left just to avoid the argy-bargy and extra stress it gives the drive into work.

Feefoo, its not correct. In some cases it is justified but at the end of the day you are in the incorrect lane so should be giving way to traffic leaving the roundabout on the left of you. I ocassionally use the right lane but never force my way back in.

For a single exit use left lane, unless its all clear and I straightline it or on my motorbike when I'll use the right in traffic as I can merge onto the roundabout into smaller gaps. Just need to.be careful exiting.

My Driving instructor told me a few years ago, I had to negotiate a roundabout on the test and didn't get any penalties for it. Two lanes entering treat the roundabout as a clock, beyond 12 and it is right, anything less is left. And use any signposts to indicate what is what,The physical design of the road is not what matters, the ground is not right, it is the signposts that matter.

I was taught RH lane until you've passed the exit before yours, then mirror, signal manoeuvre across to the left for your exit. Basically, left is only used leading into an exit.

That was nearly 30yrs ago. Impossible these days mostly, due to traffic volume. Most folk end up subconsciously driving defensively now.

Roundabouts are terribly hardwork and confusing. How can you possibly be expected to guess the correct lane AND use your indicators. It's a trick question.

Feefoo ive had that treatment from the lh lane..... Cars coming from right taking third exit. Me coming from straight across.

Cars on right feel im queue jumpin and will accelerate and drive perpendicular to the kerb to stop me. wont let me merge ive given up being polite. All thatll happen is their audi will get wedged under my truck.

Feefoo ive had that treatment from the lh lane..... Cars coming from right taking third exit. Me coming from straight across.

Cars on right feel im queue jumpin and will accelerate and drive perpendicular to the kerb to stop me. wont let me merge ive given up being polite. All thatll happen is their audi will get wedged under my truck.

My general rule of thumb:

First 2 exits or before 12 o'clock as you approach the roundabout = lane 1
3rd exit or beyond 12 o'clock = lane 2

There's a roundabout I use going home from work: 2 lanes going on, dual carriageway 1st exit @ 90 degrees, 2nd exit straight but never used little country lane, 3rd exit @270degrees and single lane. About half the drivers using the 3rd exit go for the left hand lane on entering the roundabout

Snap... Almost identical on my route to work but 2 lanes in, four single lane exits with main road continuing via third @ 2 o'clock. I'm amazed at the amount of drivers who actually move to the left lane before entering the round about, do not indicate right then swing past both first (9 o'clock) and second (12o'clock) exits and have the f*%#ing audacity to hoot drivers in the correct lane 'cutting them up' as they quite rightly move from inside to outside to exit the roundabout at the third.

Ggrrrrrrr...... Sometimes I feel an immense pull to stop and have a 'chat' with some drivers! And breath.....

Left lane. I have passed a slowey on occasion by using the right lane. Don't try and pass a truck this way though. And you have to be prepared to go around if goes awry by the time you reach the exit.

Oh, and my take on the OPs question... You can enter the roundabout in either lane if exiting at 12 0'clock but the driver in the left lane has right of way, of course most people using the right lane are trying to 'jump' the queue so inevitably will push in at the exit and I think we've all been guilty of that from time to time.

No right or wrong just good etiquette to stay left.

I was taught the left hand lane before 12 o'clock rule mentioned above - that was over 20 years ago and I don't think much has changed.
I can think of one roundabout the same as the OP describes (on the A57 from M1 J31 towards sheffield). If there's a couple of cars indicating left I'll nip past on the right onto an empty roundabout. If it's busy and you take the right lane then you have to hope there's a gap so you can take the exit, or you're going to be cutting somebody up.

If you're in a motor vehicle I believe the most common approach is to take the straightest line over the roundabout. So you'd approach in the left hand lane, then touch the apex of the roundabout, then exit on the left hand side.

Obviously it's incredibly dangerous and if you're in the vicinity on a bike you'll probably die but cyclists are just leaching scum anyway so who cares.

Before I moved house I cycled across a roundabout like that every morning. I could absolutely guarantee I'd nearly die every single day from someone pulling a stunt like that. About once a week I'd find myself pressed against the side of a car as they cut the lanes because for some unfathomable reason, they'd decided the rules didn't apply to them.

Whichever lane has less traffic. 🙂

IIRC TJ and aracer were adamant it should be the RH lane (I may be wrong) in every situation.

Gosh, did I? I can't say I definitely didn't, but I'd be surprised (I'll check with TJ 😉 ) If anything I'd suggest the opposite that the left lane is correct most of the time, but that it depends.

The particular example I'd use which doesn't follow most people's rule to use the right lane for exits after 12 o'clock is [url= http://goo.gl/maps/DCWrz ]here[/url] where coming from the SW (bottom left) you use the left lane for the major 2nd exit and the right lane for the 3rd. You do get some people using the right lane to go "straight on" and worse yet indicating right to do so, which is clearly incorrect
[img] [/img]

That's based on the traffic flows where the majority of traffic takes the 2nd exit and 75%+ of the remainder takes the 3rd, with the traffic flows being illustrated quite well by the [url= http://goo.gl/maps/wBnhK ]sign[/url]

...then at the [url= http://goo.gl/maps/4eGwx ]next roundabout[/url] the road markings tell you to use the left lane approaching the roundabout to [url= http://goo.gl/maps/BZaM2 ] turn right.[/url] The less said about approaching that roundabout [url= http://goo.gl/maps/AUkh5 ]from the other direction[/url] the better!

I was taught you can use either lane when going straight on at a roundabout.
I understand that the left lane has priority in this situation.

If I could devise a neon sign that lit up with "I'm merging on exit, not cutting you up or pushing in and I'm happy for us all to do the same" then I would.
I'd need a bigger rear window though.

In an ideal world the DVLA would watch posts such as these and immediately revoke licenses of anyone who thought it was acceptable to try going straight onto a single lane carriageway from lane 2 (unless so marked).

Then they could move on to the people that reverse out of their drives.

Next those that don't indicate.

Then those that don't clear their windows before driving off in the mornings, ditto 2 feet of snow on the roof.

Ah, come the day comrades, come the day...

Great, thats sorted, shall we move on to when is it acceptable to overtake on chevrons now?

shall we move on to when is it acceptable to overtake on chevrons now?

If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency.
Laws MT(E&W)R regs 5, 9, 10 & 16, MT(S)R regs 4, 8, 9 & 14, RTA sect 36 & TSRGD 10(1)

The highway code seems a little unspecific as to which lane. It suggests to use the "appropriate" lane:

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise
select the appropriate lane on approach to and on the roundabout
you should not normally need to signal on approach
stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.