Forum Topic

Dutch Style Rounabouts

What do readers think of the Dutch style roundabouts? Will Hounslow be installing them?

Nicholas Beard ● 1830d11 Comments

The roundabout has been closed due to hit and run damage.

Nicholas Beard ● 1826d

I think roundabout protocol has taken a bitnof a dip in the last 20 years. Possibly from the number of new arrivals for whom roundabouts work the other way.And the many countries that do not have roundabouts.It's notable that in France, Spain and Portugal, a lot of reminders are posted to always look to the left first. Not just in Ports but in places that the British tend to gravitate to. But they do at least put signs up.There are a few near Dover and that's about it.But a few simple reminders of basic protocol could save a lot of bumps, scrapes and maybe even injuries and lives. Simple, easy and cheap

Raymond Havelock ● 1826d

Last week I listened into a webinar explaining difference between them and typical U.K. roundabouts.First thing is that geometry of roundabout is designed to slow motor vehicles down. This is not the case with many U.K. roundabouts.Second thing is design is intended so driver only needs to make one decision at a time. Too many U.K. roundabouts give drivers too many things to think about hence rear end collisions or side swipes when changing lanes.

Michael Robinson ● 1827d

It is actually quite a confusing and potentially dangerous roundabout.  If you're coming from Brentford and you want to go straight ahead up the South Ealing Road you have to give way to the right even though the lights are green in your favour.  The lights on the roundabout for those who are travelling south and west  go green at the same time.  It can get a bit hairy if people don't realise.

Alison Robins ● 1827d

So maybe a better disciplined protocol at Roundabouts might be a good thing.Big problem is way too many Cyclists who simply will not comply with any road regulations and vehicle users who have taken tests but are not disciplined enough to think about their actions on roundabouts where they are not as clearly defined like the one at Ealing Road.

Raymond Havelock ● 1827d

I had a read alfa romeo driver head right for me deliberately on the A4 Roundabout of sorts at Ealing road yesterday. I ride very diligently and clearly signalled and was in the correct road position. But the rules do indicate that one give way to the right.  So in effect the Alfa did have the right of way. But. I was already more than halfway across the junction and this car came round too fast and was not signalling.The drivers behaviour was not any better than that of other cyclists but was the first time in a very long time that I've encountered a  ***@^% like that driving deliberate to intimidate.That said the biggest problem at that junction for many years is the lack of all road users clearly signalling and correctly signalling.All road users of every type have got more and more sloppy over using signals at this auction And at Windmill road and that makes it more dangerous.I've long wanted to see a simple improvement. A couple of large signs on the M4 support pillar in the middle of this junction with a simple clear message              ALL ROAD USERS - PLEASE SIGNAL CLEARLY.Bus drivers in the days of Conductors used to perform a very clear method of 2 stage signalling here but even buses barely bother now.If adverts can be erected here thens surely a few clear road safety signs cannot be beyond achievement.Other problem is a short piece of Ealing road right by the junction on the South Side missing it's road markings. Large vehicles and van have been parking there making it hazardous for buses and cyclists as well as causing delays. It's been like this for months now.So if authorities can close off roads for ideology reasons, why can actual real safety issues continue to go unattended to?

Raymond Havelock ● 1827d

Well, ALison - we live more in hope than expectation!

Vanessa Smith ● 1827d

In your dreams, Vanessa!!!!

Alison Robins ● 1829d

Pictures of these in newspapers yesterday, look O.K. as long as the cyclists give way to pedestrians on the crossings.

Vanessa Smith ● 1829d

Cyclists have the right of way as you come off. See Cambridge and Dutch Style roundabouts. They have the first one. Looks a nightmare.Nick

Nicholas Beard ● 1829d

What are they?

Raymond Havelock ● 1830d