Another roundabout lane question

Another roundabout lane question

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Discussion

r44flyer

Original Poster:

473 posts

222 months

Wednesday 24th October 2012
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Hello all,

I drive a bus through this route most days. The roundabout pictured has, some months ago now, been resurfaced and the markings have been altered. This has created endless argy-bargy and horn blowing when vehicles enter from Lode Lane (right of picture) in lanes 2 or 3 and both try to exit along the B4025.

Prior to the alteration, entering the roundabout in lane 3 was, I believe, the correct lane for the exit in question because it required no change of lane. An additional lane formed on the outside after the following exit (Statio Rd) to allow for vehicles rounding the roundabout for the Lode Lane exit again, but staying with the white line on the left lead you to the B4025.

Now, following the alterations, as the picture shows, lane 2 leads from Lode Lane to the B4025 with no lane change. This is the lane I adopt, not only because I think it is the correct lane to use but because it is the only lane in which I can fit a bus around the roundabout without clipping kerbs or taking huge bites out of the lane to the left (as it what happens routinely to many other buses who have stuck to the usage of lane 3 despite the change to the road markings).

Aside from the annoyance of cars entering in lane 3 and cutting right across to take the exit prior to the B4025, vehicles in lane 3 arrive at the B4025 exit needing to change lane to the left at the last second to make the exit as they realise they are in the wrong lane, thus cutting up traffic in lane 2. I've seen no end of near misses thanks to this design. Why it is like that I don't know but if someone more enlightened would like to share their thoughts I'd appreciate it.

Which lane would you use?
Should it be looked at with a view to changing the markings?

Thank you for your opinions.


davepoth

29,395 posts

205 months

Wednesday 24th October 2012
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As designed, Lane 3 goes nowhere unless you want to go straight back down Lode Lane again. A bit daft.

gavgavgav

1,559 posts

235 months

Wednesday 24th October 2012
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It's a bit different I suppose because of the lights past the road you want.

R0G

4,997 posts

161 months

Thursday 25th October 2012
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Got a google streetview link which shows the current markings?

r44flyer

Original Poster:

473 posts

222 months

Thursday 25th October 2012
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Here you go. This should plonk you down next to the sign prior to the roundabout. The sign obviously says last exit for the 4025, so you might assume lane 3, but all road markings are straight arrows and lane 3 cuts you off.

http://goo.gl/maps/Cj4J5

R0G

4,997 posts

161 months

Thursday 25th October 2012
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I see what you mean - starting in lane 3 and staying in lane leads you back to where you started !!

I reckon some planner messed up big time there

r44flyer

Original Poster:

473 posts

222 months

Friday 26th October 2012
quotequote all
Yes, a bit daft isn't it. I might drop highways an email and query their genius.

R0G

4,997 posts

161 months

Friday 26th October 2012
quotequote all
r44flyer said:
Yes, a bit daft isn't it. I might drop highways an email and query their genius.
That could be local council and not highways

r44flyer

Original Poster:

473 posts

222 months

Friday 26th October 2012
quotequote all
I did mean highways dept of the borough council, yes.