It has lengthy confused drivers with many flummoxed as to what lane they’re meant to be in
It’s a roundabout which notoriously leaves drivers confused as to which lane they’re meant to be in or which exit to take. Swansea’s Ynysforgan roundabout has lengthy left drivers confused and a few have even tried to keep away from it utterly.
One driver instructed WalesOnline they solely drive round it if they should, selecting to go all the way in which round Ystradgynlais and thru Pontardawe as a substitute.
“My foot is consistently hovering over the brake whereas I’m driving on it and I’m always trying over my shoulder as a result of I’m so paranoid any person goes to hit me,” she mentioned. By no means miss a Swansea story by signing as much as our e-newsletter right here.
In 2023 we reported how two Welsh sisters went viral on account of their exasperation at tackling the roundabout due to a passenger behind the automotive capturing their hilarious squabble and importing it to TikTok. You’ll be able to learn extra about that right here.
The Freeway Code has clear solutions for anybody who continues to be uncertain on the foundations regarding roundabouts.
When taking the primary exit to the left it states that until indicators or markings point out in any other case you need to sign left and strategy within the left-hand lane and maintain to the left on the roundabout and proceed signalling left to go away. When taking an exit to the correct or going full circle, until indicators or markings point out in any other case, you need to sign proper and strategy within the right-hand lane, maintain to the correct on the roundabout till you could change lanes to exit the roundabout, and sign left after you’ve gotten handed the exit earlier than the one you need.
However here is the place it will get complicated. What in case you’re driving straight by means of, taking what is called an intermediate exit? In different phrases what about if the exit is positioned at 12 o’clock whenever you strategy it?
Here is the place we get some street rage, notably from individuals who nonetheless assume you ought to be within the right-hand lane. If that is you then sadly you might be fallacious.
When taking any intermediate exit, until indicators or markings point out in any other case, you need to choose the suitable lane on strategy to the roundabout. You shouldn’t usually must sign on strategy.
It’s best to keep on this lane till you could alter course to exit the roundabout and you need to sign left after you’ve gotten handed the exit earlier than the one you need.
The code states that when there are greater than three lanes on the entrance to a roundabout you need to use probably the most acceptable lane on strategy and thru it. In different phrases the legislation says to make use of some frequent sense.
For mini roundabouts it says you need to strategy these in the identical approach as regular roundabouts and all automobiles should cross around the central markings besides massive automobiles that are bodily incapable of doing so. It says to keep away from making U-turns at mini-roundabouts.
The Freeway Code provides: “When reaching the roundabout you need to give precedence to visitors approaching out of your proper, until directed in any other case by indicators, street markings or visitors lights, test whether or not street markings assist you to enter the roundabout with out giving approach.
“If that’s the case proceed however nonetheless look to the correct earlier than becoming a member of, be careful for all different street customers already on the roundabout; bear in mind they will not be signalling appropriately or in any respect and look ahead earlier than transferring off to ensure visitors in entrance has moved off.
“It’s best to give precedence to cyclists on the roundabout. They are going to be travelling extra slowly than motorised visitors.
“Give them loads of room and don’t try and overtake them inside their lane. Permit them to maneuver throughout your path as they journey across the roundabout.
“Cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn automobiles could keep within the left-hand lane after they intend to proceed throughout or across the roundabout and will sign proper to indicate you they aren’t leaving the roundabout. Drivers ought to take further care when coming into a roundabout to make sure that they don’t minimize throughout cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn automobiles within the left-hand lane who’re persevering with across the roundabout.
“In all instances be careful for and provides loads of room to pedestrians who could also be crossing the strategy and exit roads, visitors crossing in entrance of you on the roundabout, particularly automobiles intending to go away by the following exit, visitors which can be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly, motorcyclists, lengthy automobiles (together with these towing trailers).
“These may need to take a special course or straddle lanes both approaching or on the roundabout due to their size. Be careful for his or her indicators.”
Get Swansea information updates in your telephone by becoming a member of our WhatsApp neighborhood right here. We sometimes deal with members to particular presents, promotions and adverts from us and our companions. See our Privateness Discover.
