Roundabouts

Roundabouts allow traffic from different roads to merge or cross without necessarily stopping.

Priority

Before you enter a roundabout, you normally give way to any traffic approaching from your immediate right. However, you should keep moving if the way is clear.

In a few cases, traffic on the roundabout has to give way to traffic entering. Look out for ‘give way’ signs and road markings on the roundabout.

Some roundabouts have traffic lights (sometimes part-time) which determine priority.

Always use the MSM/PSL routine on approach.

Approaching a roundabout

Always look well ahead for the advance warning sign. At large or complex roundabouts, in particular, this will give you a clear picture of the layout of the roundabout, together with route directions.

The sign will enable you to select the most suitable lane in which to approach the roundabout.

Watch out also for advance warnings of appropriate traffic lanes at the roundabout. These are often backed up by road markings, which may include route numbers.

• Get into the correct lane in good time.
• Don’t straddle lanes.
• Avoid changing lanes at the last moment.

Where possible, it’s a good idea to look across the roundabout and identify the exit you want to take. This will help you to plan the safest course through the roundabout.

Procedure when entering/leaving a roundabout

Adopt the following procedures unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.

Going left

• Indicate left as you approach.
• Approach in the left-hand lane.
• Keep to that lane on the roundabout.
• Maintain a left turn signal through the roundabout.

Going ahead

• No signal is necessary on approach.
• Approach in the left-hand lane. If you can’t use the left-hand lane (because, for example, it’s blocked), use the lane next to it.
• Keep to the selected lane on the roundabout.
• Check your mirrors, especially the nearside exterior mirror.
• Indicate left after you’ve passed the exit just before the one you intend to take.

Going right or full-circle

• Indicate right as you approach.
• Approach in the right-hand lane.
• Keep to that lane and maintain the signal on the roundabout.
• Check your mirrors, especially the nearside exterior mirror.
• Indicate left after you’ve passed the exit just before the one you intend to take.

More than three lanes

Where there are more than three lanes at the approach to the roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through the roundabout, unless road signs or markings tell you otherwise.

Defensive driving

Always keep an eye on the vehicle in front as you’re about to enter the roundabout.

Don’t assume that the driver will keep going, as they may stop while you’re still looking to the right. Many rear-end collisions happen this way. Make sure the vehicle has actually moved away. Always check the vehicle in front before moving off.

Hazards

Roundabouts can be particularly hazardous areas. While negotiating the roundabout, you should be especially aware of

• pedestrians: in many areas, zebra crossings are located near the entrances to and exits from roundabouts. Even if there are no formal crossings, pedestrians may attempt to cross the road at these junctions. Always be aware of pedestrians who may be trying to cross the road
• cyclists and horse riders: they often keep to the outside of the roundabout even when intending to turn right. Take extra care and allow them plenty of room
• motorcyclists and cyclists: it’s often difficult to see them on a roundabout
• long vehicles: because of their length, they might take a different course or straddle lanes as they approach the roundabout and as they go round it. Watch out for their signals and allow for the path the rear of their vehicle follows
• all vehicles: be prepared for vehicles to cross your path to leave at the next exit. Always be on the lookout for their signals
• the road surface: this can become polished and slippery, especially when wet. Avoid harsh braking and acceleration when on the roundabout.

Mini-roundabouts

Approach these in the same way as a roundabout: slow down and be prepared to give way to traffic from the right. Remember, however, there’s less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. For example, you may not have time to signal left when leaving. Also

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  vehicles coming towards you might want to turn right. Give way to them

• be sure any vehicle on the roundabout is going to leave it before you join the roundabout
• beware of drivers who are using the roundabout for a U-turn
• you must pass round the central markings unless you’re driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer which is physically incapable of doing so.

Try to avoid using a mini-roundabout to make a U-turn, but be aware that other drivers may do this.

Double mini-roundabouts

• Treat each roundabout separately and give way to traffic from your right.
• Take careful all-round observation before you enter.

Spiral roundabouts

Spiral roundabouts differ from normal roundabouts in that the lanes spiral outwards from the centre of the roundabout and each lane has a designated exit. Road markings are used to keep vehicles in the correct lane, and to guide them towards the appropriate exit.

When you encounter a spiral roundabout

• make sure you’re in the correct lane when approaching and joining the roundabout
• follow the road markings for your lane to the relevant exit
• beware of drivers who may wish to join your lane from another.

If you need to change lanes, make sure you check it’s safe before you do so and signal if necessary.

On a spiral roundabout, following the lanes and road markings will lead you to the appropriate exit.

Multiple roundabouts

At some complex junctions, a large roundabout can incorporate a series of mini-roundabouts at the intersections.

While each mini-roundabout follows the normal rules, with traffic travelling clockwise around them, traffic moving around the central roundabout travels in an anticlockwise direction. Lanes, signs and road markings give directions, but these are complicated intersections requiring care and concentration.

Look and assess

Keep a good lookout and assess the situation at each mini-roundabout. Look for direction signs well in advance.