Confused by extra traffic lights on roundabout - is it just me?

DrScotsman

Wig wrote: »

Agreed, but I wouldn't say naive (sounds a bit strong) just did not think it through enough, which you can forgive them for because it's not a train of logical thought that everyone who approaches a roundabout automatically goes through.

You're right that I cannot expect anyone to go through that logical thought train when they approach a light controlled roundabout, but it's something you must realise when you've driven for a while. "Hrm, you know I've noticed that all light controlled roundabouts have lights shortly after you enter the roundabout; before every entrance to the roundabout", you have to lived in the middle of nowhere for a lot of your driving life to have never realised that. I'm saying this as someone who only passed his test 1.5 years ago.

Not to mention the OP should have gone through this logical process before starting this thread.

usignuolo

I only drive locally so these extra traffic lights on the roundabout are new to me as they have only been introduced locally very recently. I was out again last night and approaching one of the roundabouts concerned. As you approach it is not possible to see the sides of the roundabout until you are virtually at the lights because the main road approaches the roundabout at a slight angle. So all you can see is the central section of a roundabout ahead and a set of lights.

Only when you are practically on the first traffic lights can you see the second set of lights over to your left on the roundabout itself and even then you cannot see them at all if there are a couple of large lorries on the roundabout because they obscure the lights from the angle of cars approaching the roundabout. If there is a backing up queue of traffic you might not realise they were there at all.

I accept you should not accelerate round a roundabout generally but it is not impossible that faced with a queue of traffic you get through the lights on green just before they change to orange. On the roundabout I am thinking of, the lights then turn to red just as you reach them and if there was a lorry in the way which has just cleared them you may not have seen them even when you joined the roundabout.

cyclonebri1

We have a similar scenario on the main roundabout in Chesterfield. There are probably 5 sets off lights around it but one set in particular cause real problems, I haven't witnessed an acident there yet but I've seen many cars completely miss the red light and have had to take avoiding action myself.

I don't think it's a case of chancing amber lights as the argument was about, in this case the lights are too close together, on the tightest part of the roundabout so drivers do not aproach them directly, and are also facing the low winter sun. Bad design in this case as I'm sure others are too;).

DrScotsman

usignuolo wrote: »

I only drive locally so these extra traffic lights on the roundabout are new to me as they have only been introduced locally very recently. I was out again last night and approaching one of the roundabouts concerned. As you approach it is not possible to see the sides of the roundabout until you are virtually at the lights because the main road approaches the roundabout at a slight angle. So all you can see is the central section of a roundabout ahead and a set of lights.

Only when you are practically on the first traffic lights can you see the second set of lights over to your left on the roundabout itself and even then you cannot see them at all if there are a couple of large lorries on the roundabout because they obscure the lights from the angle of cars approaching the roundabout. If there is a backing up queue of traffic you might not realise they were there at all.

All of your post only applies to the minority of drivers like yourself who have never experienced a light controlled roundabout before. It's obviously not your fault that you haven't been on one until now, but now you have so there's no reason to make a similar mistake again.

Actually I envy you - usually light controlled roundabouts are spiral roundabouts and vice versa. I could never master those when I was learning to drive - even though theoretically they're much easier than a normal roundabout. (I'm fairly certain the road markings on the roundabout I was learning on were rubbed off and hard to see...but that doesn't mean anything in a driving test)

tanith

Anyone who drives should be prepared for any eventuality when out on the road including changes in road layouts.. lights on roundabouts are something city dwellers deal with on a daily basis it seems to be the OP has encountered something different in the local area that they frequent and was not sure how to deal with it.. Just be totally prepared to stop if the lights are red or turning red. If something is in the way of the lights you should be going very slowly or stopping anyway so you will be ready to halt if the light is red... now you know its there you shouldn't have a problem.

cyclonebri1

But there is always the ill designed layout as I have described that is difficult, hard to see etc, experience and a degree of forethought is definately required..

It also highlights the reason all motorists should not simply go on green, but check what is happening off to the right:mad:;)