Roundabouts

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

Before you enter a roundabout, you normally give priority to traffic from your right.

Some roundabouts such as Marsh Leys roundabout, have traffic lights which determine priority.

Always use your Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Gear, Look (MSPSGL) routine on approach.

Approaching

Plan well ahead, looking out for warning signs and direction signs to help you select the most appropriate lane. as well as helping you plan your route through the roundabout. Also look out for road markings, including route numbers which can help with planning.

• Get into the correct lane in good time (making sure you check your mirrors if changing lanes)

• Never change lanes at the last moment. If you find you are in the wrong lane, don’t panic, going the wrong way safely is not a problem, you can always turn around and re-route later.

• If you can, look across the roundabout and identify your exit. This will help you to plan your route through the roundabout.

Lane Selection

Unless the road signs or markings indicate otherwise, take the following actions.

Going left

• Check interior and left mirrors

• 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

• Check Mirrors

• 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 next lane to it.

• Keep to the selected lane on the roundabout.

• Indicate left after you have passed the exit just before the one you intend to take.

Going Right or Full Circle

• Check interior and right mirrors

• Indicate right as you approach.

• Approach in the right lane

• Keep to the lane and maintain a right signal on the roundabout.

• Indicate left after you have passed the exit just before the one you intend to take.

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