Correct lane for this roundabout

[scoey1001]

Hi all, apologies if this is the wrong section but just wondered if anyone can clear up which is the correct lane for taking the third exit at this roundabout.

52 A28
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RwuWraCp1N3C12ht9

It seems a lottery whether people use the left or right lane. My driving instructor taught me if unsure which lane to use then treat it as a clock face, anything past 12 use the right lane. But on this roundabout the sign conflicts with this (shows third exit as straight on). Thanks

[DanL]

I’d be in the right lane for that - otherwise the right is only used to turning around, which seems pointless. There will (I imagine) be enough people in the left lane for the first two exits that being in the right lane is likely faster too.

[scoey1001]

DanL said:

I’d be in the right lane for that - otherwise the right is only used to turning around, which seems pointless. There will (I imagine) be enough people in the left lane for the first two exits that being in the right lane is likely faster too.

This is what I do. But have on a couple of occasions had to be mindful that someone was at the side of me in the left lane taking the same exit. I suppose people will see the sign showing the exit is straight on and keep in the left lane, which may be correct?!

[Thebaggers]

Agreed. In absence of arriwed lanes best to stay right. It is margate so the locals have always been unpredictable, look confident and make progress.

[Evanivitch]

Similar situation to this roundabout. In this case, 2 clearly marked lanes entering roundabout, 2 exits. Locals nearly always use left lane to go straight ahead.

A4048
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qRaxTJqVnNyratRW9

[DanL]

scoey1001 said:

This is what I do. But have on a couple of occasions had to be mindful that someone was at the side of me in the left lane taking the same exit. I suppose people will see the sign showing the exit is straight on and keep in the left lane, which may be correct?!

There’s no hard and fast rule for which lane to use for straight on: https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/roundabouts.html

Follow the arrows on the lanes where they exist, but there aren’t any as far as I could see, which leaves you with;

highway code said:

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.

[Pica-Pica]

Ah! Dreamland at Margate! Back to the question.
The route that is the least inconvenience to yourself, and the least inconvenience and surprise to other road users (that includes pedestrians and cyclists of course). That last bit is a paraphrase of the Highway Code introduction.

For me, the right hand lane seems the best route through, but watch out for others who are not taking the first two turnings. Being a seaside town with visitors, many will be unfamiliar with the area or lost and will keep to the left lane until they find their destination. It is about being aware of what is around you and predictable and visible to others.

Edited by Pica-Pica on Saturday 10th July 10:17

[Pica-Pica]

scoey1001 said:

This is what I do. But have on a couple of occasions had to be mindful that someone was at the side of me in the left lane taking the same exit. I suppose people will see the sign showing the exit is straight on and keep in the left lane, which may be correct?!

Unfortunately, the ‘straight ahead’ signage is correct in that the route is East to West, but a vehicle has to turn somewhat to get there, and the two roads to the left complicate that simple view point.

[Sherpa Kev]

Personally, I think I would take the lane with the least resistance and keep my eyes on both door mirrors as I go around and exit the roundabout.
But then that's just me trying to make progress.

[Pica-Pica]

I would treat roundabouts like a dual carriageway, in the sense that you would not drive alongside another vehicle (especially an HGV); you need to be ahead or behind them, so you can see them fully and they can see you - I agree not always possible or practical on a roundabout, but best practice I would say.

[voram]

There's an increasing number of idiots who use the left lane on roundabouts whichever direction they're going. Does my head in.

[scoey1001]

Just posted this on a local group and the first response I got was;

'Its a traffic island not a roundabout so left hand lane'

Any truth in this?

[johnao]

scoey1001 said:

Just posted this on a local group and the first response I got was;

'Its a traffic island not a roundabout so left hand lane'

Any truth in this?

No. None whatsoever.

[Pica-Pica]

scoey1001 said:

Just posted this on a local group and the first response I got was;

'Its a traffic island not a roundabout so left hand lane'

Any truth in this?

It matters not what you call it (gyratory system?), the wisdom of being aware of who is around you and their expectations (a bit of second guessing needed on other road users ideas and intents) still applies.

[Pica-Pica]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Did you read my last words?

[Pica-Pica]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Agree, or the fast big roundabouts below motorways. That is where a quick car can get you out of trouble (as it should!) rather than keeping you bunched in.

This is two lanes on the circuit, and one lane coming off, a common hazard.

[Sherpa Kev]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

That's why I mentioned using mirrors. Also, being in the correct gear, I can then accelerate/reduce my speed via acceleration sense to move away from any potential hazard.

[silverfoxcc]

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.3805344,-0.773162,...

This has a two lane entry no direction arrows

What would you be in to go to Bracknell?

[JeffreyD]

Pica-Pica said:

It matters not what you call it (gyratory system?), the wisdom of being aware of who is around you and their expectations (a bit of second guessing needed on other road users ideas and intents) still applies.

Exactly this.

There is a roundabout near me where at certain times people approach from one entrance at such speed someone could be fully established on the roundabout and yet there would still be an argument they should have "given way"

In the end, a roundabout is for all users and people need to be aware of what can happen, rather than their " right of way"

[vonhosen]

silverfoxcc said:

https://www.google.com/maps/@51.3805344,-0.773162,...

This has a two lane entry no direction arrows

What would you be in to go to Bracknell?

Depends.