Roundabout Gripe!

[Purple_Popple]

Is it correct that some drivers like to use the r/h lane on a roundabout to go straight ahead ? I thought it was to go right only ?

[black_cat51]

it depends on the r'about

[Peter Pedant]

It changes as all things do

IN the highway code that I had, the roundabout diagram showed you could go straight across - erm that would be 1974.

[tonyav]

It usually does if it's a three lane roundabout, PP.

[Purple_Popple]

Hi Tony :) - this was a two lane r/about

[tonyav]

Hi ya PP, was there any road makings or signs at the roundabout ?.

[Graham-W]

Read 185. It makes it fairly clear.

https://www.gov.uk/using-the-road-159-to-203/roundabouts-184-to-190

[BlueToffee]

If there are 2 lanes going straight ahead, then no problem. If the selfish drivers going ahead on a single lane road they just serve to,get everybody's backs up,

And whilst we are on a motoring issue, can is please remind drivers to turn on their HEADLIGHTS in adverse weather conditions. You may be able to see quite clearly, but can you be seen?

[tonyav]

There you go then, Graham's link answers that.

[Graham-W]

It does Tony, but can be modified by the road markings.

[Hopkirk]

Highway code says left lane for turning left, right lane for turning right, and an appropriate lane for intermediate exits..

If it is two lanes on and two lanes off for straight on then either lane could be called appropriate.

If all straight on traffic had to use the left lane only, then this would slow the traffic flow, and not be an efficient use of road space at busy times.

[Purple_Popple]

I see, thanks to Graham W.

[Purple_Popple]

Thanks Hopkirk :)

[tonyav]

Graham-W
It does Tony, but can be modified by the road markings.

Yes Graham, unless has you say, road makings dictate differently.

[Tigh]

I learned to drive 45 years ago, and was taught that you only use the left (outside) lane to make a first-left turn. All other turns (including straight on) should be made from the inside lane. I have stuck rigidly to this rule ever since and had no bother.

[Dodger666]

Obviously you drive on the right Tigh. In the UK we drive on the left.

This morning I approached a roundabout with two lanes. Both lanes are marked to go straight ahead while the outside lane is additionally marked to go right to the M6 slip road and the A452. It's a five junction roundabout.

At the front of the inside lane was a long HGV. It's normal at this junction for the smaller vehicles to use the outside lane to go straight on if there are any HGVs in the inside lane. When the way was clear the HGV and the small vehicles proceeded to move and the HGV immediately started to turn to go round the roundabout towards the M6. Three or four cars were also forced to to go right whether or nor not they wanted to.

You have to be aware that this will happen at this junction otherwise you may get the side of your car knocked in.

[stocksman]

The answer to your original query is yes, some drivers do like to use the r/h lane(no matter where they are leaving the roundabout). They don't all read or observe the advice in the Highway Code.

[suechu]

my OH got pulled over by a police car who informed him he should have been in the left hand lane to go straight on at roundabout. typically, oh argued the toss and nearly got booked.

[leighbee1]

It appears that you can use any lane on a round about, providing you do not use your indicators and have your fog lights on.